The City of Brampton and the Peel Police Service Board are welcoming new federal bail and sentencing reform legislation, calling it an important step toward improving community safety, strengthening accountability and addressing repeat violent offending across Peel Region.
The federal Bail and Sentencing Reform Act, 2026, also known as Bill C-14, received Royal Assent on June 15. The legislation includes more than 80 targeted amendments to the Criminal Code, the Youth Criminal Justice Act and the National Defence Act.
The changes, set to come into force on July 15, will make bail more difficult to obtain for repeat and violent offenders, strengthen measures linked to organized crime and introduce tougher sentencing provisions for serious offences.
Bail reform push led by Brampton and Peel
Brampton has been among the Canadian municipalities pressing Ottawa for stronger bail laws, following concerns over violent incidents involving repeat offenders released into communities while awaiting trial.
Mayor Patrick Brown, along with council members, law enforcement leaders, victims’ advocates and municipal partners, repeatedly called for federal action through public advocacy, national discussions and Brampton’s “Bail Reform Now” campaign.
“For years, Brampton has been leading the call for meaningful bail reform because our residents deserve to feel safe in their communities. We have repeatedly seen violent and repeat offenders released back into our neighbourhoods, only to reoffend and create new victims. The principle is simple: if someone poses a serious risk to community safety, they should be kept behind bars, not released to commit another crime. Today’s legislation is an important step toward restoring accountability in Canada’s justice system, strengthening community safety and ensuring repeat violent offenders face tougher consequences. This is a significant victory for residents in Brampton and communities across Canada who demanded action and refused to accept the status quo,” Brown said.
Peel police say repeat offending affects victims and neighbourhoods
Peel Regional Police Chief Nishan Duraiappah also welcomed the legislation, saying officers in Brampton and across Peel have seen the effects of repeat violent crime on residents.
“Peel Regional Police has joined the City of Brampton and policing partners across Canada in advocating for meaningful bail reform that better protects our communities. Across Brampton and Peel Region, our officers have seen firsthand the impact repeat violent offending has on victims, families and neighbourhoods. These legislative changes represent an important step toward strengthening accountability, supporting victims and enhancing public safety. We welcome these reforms and the positive impact they will have on residents throughout our region,” Duraiappah said.
The Peel Police Service Board said it has spent years advocating for reforms to address repeat violent offenders, chronic bail violations, home invasions, carjackings, human trafficking, intimate partner violence and other serious crimes.
Victims and survivors central to Peel advocacy
In September 2025, the Peel Police Service Board and Peel Regional Police convened Ontario’s first policing-led Victims and Survivors Symposium. More than 250 victims, survivors, community organizations, justice sector leaders, police leaders and government representatives attended.
The symposium produced recommendations focused on stronger reverse-onus provisions for violent offences, improved bail compliance monitoring, greater victim safety in release decisions and targeted Criminal Code reforms to address repeat violent offending.
The Board said the process helped shift the discussion from statistics and policy debates to the lived experiences of victims and survivors. Police leaders from Peel, Toronto, Durham, Halton and York Regions, along with the OPP, supported the recommendations.
The City of Brampton said it will continue working with all orders of government, law enforcement agencies and community partners as the new measures take effect. Officials said the passage of Bill C-14 marks progress, while further work remains to support victims, strengthen neighbourhood safety and improve public confidence in the justice system.
