OACP Statement on the Bail and Sentencing Reform Act (Bill C-14)

OACP Statement on the Bail and Sentencing Reform Act (Bill C-14)

Date: October 24, 2025

The Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP) welcomes the federal government’s introduction of the Bail and Sentencing Reform Act (Bill C-14) and supports the position of the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police (CACP) in calling for the Bill’s passage.

Ontario’s police leaders have consistently called for meaningful reforms to the bail and sentencing systems to better protect victims, first responders, and members of the communities we serve. The measures outlined in Bill C-14 reflect many of the recommendations advanced by police leadership in Ontario and across our country.

In particular, our association welcomes Bill C-14’s emphasis on stronger bail provisions for repeat and violent offenders, including expanded reverse-onus requirements and new expectations for credible release plans. The proposed legislation also includes tougher sentencing measures for serious offences such as violent auto theft, break and enter, extortion, and arson, and establishes new aggravating factors for assaults on first responders, organized retail theft, and damage to essential infrastructure.

The OACP also supports and encourages efforts to improve access to digital evidence and strengthen investigative tools. We believe that updating Canada’s outdated lawful access framework must be seen as an urgent priority by public policy decision-makers in order to ensure police have the ability to lay charges that lead to bail and sentencing decisions.

Ontario’s police leadership looks forward to working with the federal and provincial governments, justice officials, and community partners to ensure that the Bail and Sentencing Reform Act enhances public safety while upholding the principles of fairness and accountability.

For more information, please contact: 

Dr. José Luís (Joe) Couto
Director of Government Relations & Communications
T. (416) 919-9798
 E. jcouto@oacp.ca 

Members of the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police serve their communities as the senior police leaders in municipal, regional, provincial, national, and  Indigenous police services across Ontario