Sweeping bail and sentencing reforms become law in Canada

Sweeping bail and sentencing reforms become law in Canada

Published 3:35 pm Tuesday, July 7, 2026

Justice Minister and Attorney General of Canada Sean Fraser says three new pieces of legislation, that passed in June and will come into force in July, together represent one of the most significant criminal justice reforms in a generation. (File photo from MP Sean Fraser on Facebook)

Criminal Code reforms put forward last year to protect Canadians from violent crime, intimate-partner violence, femicide, and hate crimes will come into force in July.

The three bills were passed by the federal government in just under eight months.

“These landmark reforms strengthen the Criminal Code by providing stronger protections against hate crimes, intimate partner violence, child sexual exploitation and emerging threats such as online sextortion and sexual deepfakes, while making bail harder to obtain for those accused of repeat and violent offending and imposing tougher consequences for serious crimes,” said Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Sean Fraser, in a statement.

“Together, these changes represent one of the most significant criminal justice reforms in a generation and will help build safer communities for all Canadians.”

Most of the reforms in the Protecting Victims Act and the Combatting Hate Act will come into force on July 18. Most of the reforms in the Bail and Sentencing Reform Act come into force on July 15.

• Stricter bail and sentencing laws for violent and organized crime, home invasion, car theft, and human trafficking.

• Makes femicide first-degree murder.

• New Criminal Code offences for coercive control in intimate relationships and threats to distribute non-consensual intimate images, including sexual deepfakes.

• Strong, enforceable, and constitutional mandatory minimum penalties of imprisonment.

• Strengthening measures to counter hate and intimidation.

• Stronger tools to protect children from sexual exploitation, online abuse, and predators who target kids in Canada and abroad.

Tim Tierney, Federation of Canadian Municipalities president said the Bail and Sentencing Reform Act is an important first step toward safer communities across Canada.

“In cities, towns and rural, northern and remote areas, local governments and frontline responders see the impact of repeat violent offending on residents, businesses and essential services every day. With the right tools and coordination, this legislation can make a meaningful difference where people live,” Tierney said.

“At the same time, lasting improvements to public safety also depend on addressing root causes like mental health, addictions, housing instability and community supports.”