Ontario Premier Doug Ford has announced that his government is considering livestreaming bail hearings in an effort to increase transparency and accountability within the province’s justice system.
Speaking at a press conference in Brockville on March 16, Ford said the move is part of a broader plan to address what he described as a “broken bail system.” The announcement came alongside news that Ontario is moving forward with plans to construct a new correctional facility in the region.
“We need to bring our bail system out into the open,” Ford said. “Right now, these hearings are not accessible to the public unless someone attends in person. Livestreaming could change that and ensure greater accountability.”
However, the proposal raises immediate legal questions. Bail hearings in Ontario are typically subject to publication bans, restricting the release of evidence presented during proceedings. When asked how livestreaming would work under such restrictions, Ford did not provide a detailed explanation but reiterated his government’s intent to move forward.
In addition to livestreaming, Ford proposed requiring judges and justices of the peace to provide written explanations when granting bail to individuals accused of violent offences. According to him, this would create more consistent decision-making and allow for greater public scrutiny.
“There should be clear reasoning when bail is granted in serious cases,” Ford said. “That transparency is essential to restoring public confidence.”
The premier also floated the idea of creating an anonymous regional dashboard to monitor judicial decisions, identify potential biases, and improve accountability across the system. He indicated plans to discuss these proposals with Ontario Attorney General Doug Downey and Solicitor General Michael Kerzner in the coming weeks.
Ford’s comments come as pressure continues to mount on the federal government to reform Canada’s bail laws. He has repeatedly criticized what he calls “catch and release” policies introduced in recent years.
At the federal level, Justice Minister Sean Fraser introduced the Bail and Sentencing Reform Act last October. The legislation has passed third reading in the House of Commons and is currently under review in the Senate.
Alongside justice reform, the Ontario government is advancing plans to expand correctional capacity. The proposed Brockville Correctional Complex and expansion of the St. Lawrence Valley Correctional and Treatment Centre are expected to add 295 new beds in Eastern Ontario. This is part of a larger provincial strategy to introduce over 1,400 new correctional spaces by 2032.
Ford emphasized that increasing capacity would help ensure that overcrowding is no longer used as a justification for early release.
The government is also exploring additional law-and-order measures. Downey has formally requested changes to federal law that would allow individuals to carry pepper spray for self-defence something currently prohibited under the Criminal Code.
In addition, Ontario is pushing for mandatory DNA collection from individuals arrested for sexual offences. At present, DNA samples can only be obtained with a warrant or following a conviction.
Ford argued that earlier DNA collection could accelerate investigations and improve outcomes for victims. He also framed the pepper spray proposal as a measure to enhance personal safety, particularly for women.
A spokesperson for Fraser responded by noting that the federal government remains committed to working with provinces to improve public safety while ensuring fairness within the justice system.
Meanwhile, the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police has said it was not initially consulted on the pepper spray proposal but is now engaging in discussions with policymakers.
As Ontario continues to push for reforms, the debate highlights ongoing tensions between provincial and federal approaches to crime, justice, and public safety.
