Ontario Introduces Keeping Criminals Behind Bars Act to Strengthen Public Safety
The Keeping Criminals Behind Bars Act introduces tougher bail rules and stronger penalties to protect Ontario communities from dangerous offenders.
TORONTO — The Ontario government has unveiled new legislation aimed at keeping violent and repeat offenders behind bars, tightening bail conditions, and introducing tougher penalties for dangerous driving as part of a broad public safety initiative.
The Keeping Criminals Behind Bars Act, 2025 was introduced at Queen’s Park on Tuesday. If passed, the legislation would overhaul several areas of Ontario’s justice and corrections system, including bail compliance, dangerous driving enforcement, correctional capacity, and victim supports.
Solicitor General Michael Kerzner said the measures respond to urgent concerns about repeat violent offenders cycling through the criminal justice system with limited supervision.
“For too long, violent repeat offenders have cycled through the justice system, putting families at risk and wreaking havoc in our communities,” Kerzner said in the release. “This legislation tackles those issues by strengthening bail compliance and holding criminals accountable.”
Stronger Bail Requirements and Increased Enforcement
A key component of the proposed legislation is a requirement for an accused person—or their surety—to provide a cash security deposit for the full amount ordered by the court. This change is intended to increase accountability for individuals released on bail and reduce breaches of court-imposed conditions.
Other proposed reforms include:
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Enhanced digital tracking tools for chronic offenders and those with repeated non-compliance.
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Increased correctional capacity, including reopening and upgrading former correctional facilities and adding permanent beds to ensure dangerous individuals are not released due to space constraints.
Attorney General Doug Downey said the province is acting to “fix the broken bail system,” noting Ontario has already invested millions in expanding court capacity and modernizing justice services.
#ICYMI: This week, our government introduced bold new legislation to help strengthen public safety and #ProtectOntario.
It’s the latest step in our ongoing work to build historic capacity across the justice system, hold offenders accountable, and keep communities safe. pic.twitter.com/4hb344vGWO
— Doug Downey (@douglasdowney) November 27, 2025
Tougher Measures for Dangerous Driving
The legislation also builds on public calls for harsher penalties following the death of Andrew Cristillo, who was killed in a collision involving a driver previously charged with dangerous and stunt driving.
In response to the “Andrew’s Law” petition, the government plans to introduce:
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90-day immediate roadside licence suspensions for suspected dangerous driving.
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Seven-day vehicle impoundments.
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Higher penalties for careless driving, driving while suspended, and distracted driving by commercial drivers.
“No one should ever have to lose a loved one or suffer a life-changing injury because another driver chose to drive dangerously,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation.
The government is also exploring whether impaired drivers who kill a parent or guardian should be required to pay ongoing child support.
Exploring Public Access to Sex Offender Registry Information
As part of a wider public safety review, Ontario is considering options to make portions of the Ontario Sex Offender and Trafficker Registry publicly accessible. The province says the goal is to equip communities with information that can protect families while respecting privacy laws and constitutional limitations.
Crackdown on Illegal Drugs and Protection of Critical Infrastructure
Outside the formal legislation, Ontario is pursuing additional measures to:
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Crack down on illegal drug production and use on transit and in public spaces.
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Ensure access to key infrastructure — including hospitals, roadways, transit hubs, places of worship and cultural centres — without harassment or obstruction.
Supports for Public Safety Personnel and New Animal Protection Measures
The province also plans to expand support programs for first responders and corrections staff, including:
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Broader access to the Ontario Immediate Family Wellness Program.
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Embedding the Constable Joe MacDonald Public Safety Officers’ Survivors Scholarship Fund in law.
The legislation further proposes new animal protection rules, including:
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Restricting invasive medical research on dogs and cats unless for specified purposes.
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Increasing penalties for harming animals working with peace officers.
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Launching 2026 consultations on banning medically unnecessary procedures such as ear-cropping and declawing.
Ontario officials say the Keeping Criminals Behind Bars Act, 2025 builds on multiple public safety and justice reforms introduced in 2024 and 2025, including measures addressing impaired driving, court delays, and dangerous driving penalties.
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