As Bill C-14 heads to third reading in the Senate, the future of Canada’s bail system is in their hands, with evidence from across the country clearly showing Canadians overwhelmingly support meaningful reform.

A recent national poll conducted by Earnscliffe on behalf of the Police Association of Ontario (PAO), reveals that the vast majority of Canadians support cash bail for repeat and violent offenders (71 per cent), as well as important changes to rules for sureties — including prohibiting individuals with a criminal record from acting as a surety (72 per cent) and limiting the number of people one can act as a surety for (70 per cent). Importantly, support for cash bail in cases involving repeat and violent offenders is multi-partisan: while conservative-leaning voters nationally and in Ontario express the strongest backing, well over half of federal and provincial Liberals and New Democrats are also in favour. There is also broad support nationally for extending cash bail to everyone accused of a criminal offence (63 per cent).

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Over half (60 per cent) of Canadians strongly or somewhat agree that upfront cash bail for violent and repeat offenders will make communities safer—a clear signal that public safety is top of mind for communities across the country.

Meanwhile, nearly three-quarters (72 per cent) of Ontarians support cash bail for repeat and violent offenders. Two-thirds (65 per cent) of Ontarians believe our current bail system is not strict enough, and a majority (62 per cent) agree that cash bail would make communities safer. Public concern about violent offenders being released is mounting from coast to coast.

Bail reform is not, and should never become, a partisan issue. The safety of our communities transcends political boundaries and party lines. Every Canadian, regardless of where they live or whom they vote for, deserves to feel safe in their neighbourhoods. Yet too often, our bail system puts the rights of repeat and violent offenders ahead of the safety of law-abiding citizens.

The evidence is clear: Canadians are demanding change. As Bill C-14 approaches its third reading in the Senate, we urge all Senators to prioritize the safety of our communities by enacting meaningful bail reform. The Senate has taken long enough — it’s time to return this bill to the House of Commons so parliamentarians can pass this critical legislation. This moment presents an opportunity for our nation to unite and show that protecting the public is a responsibility we all share.

Governments at every level must continue to rise above partisanship and provincial divisions, working collaboratively to build safer, stronger communities. Canadians are watching, and they expect decisive action.

Mark Baxter is the president of the Police Association of Ontario.

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