“Our heroic first responders can’t wait” – Canadian Premiers

January 17, 2023 – Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced that his government is reviewing a letter from Canada’s premiers calling for reform to the country’s bail system.

The letter, signed by premiers from all 13 provinces and territories, emphasizes the urgency of the matter and highlights the impact on first responders.

The letter was prompted by the killing of an Ontario Provincial Police officer, Const. Greg Pierzchala, in December, whose alleged killers were originally denied bail but later released.

On Monday, Trudeau told media in Saskatoon that he understands “there’s a real concern out there” and “challenges around impacts, particularly on Indigenous or minority groups,” have to be taken into account.

The federal government has already begun a review of the bail system in collaboration with the provinces and territories with a view to reform the system.

However, criminal defense attorneys argue that the emphasis on federal bail regulations is misdirected, claiming that provinces have the capability to tackle these concerns on their own and that any modifications to bail regulations will have ramifications for individuals undergoing trial.