Ontario’s PC government is once again taking decisive action to protect families and keep our communities safe. Under the leadership of Premier Doug Ford, we are introducing the Keeping Criminals Behind Bars Act, 2025, bold new legislation that delivers on our promise to hold offenders accountable, support victims, and crack down on the violent, repeat offenders who put Ontarians at risk.
For too long, dangerous criminals have cycled through a broken bail system and returned to our streets. That ends with this legislation.
Fixing the Broken Bail System
The Keeping Criminals Behind Bars Act introduces tough, common-sense measures to ensure bail is real and consequential. The legislation would:
- Require accused persons or their sureties to provide full cash security deposits, strengthening accountability and reducing the chance of repeat offences.
- Expand digital tools to track individuals who repeatedly violate bail conditions.
- Increase correctional capacity by adding permanent beds and reopening facilities — ensuring no violent offender walks free due to lack of space.
Our government is standing with police, prosecutors, and correctional officers by giving them the tools they need to keep Ontario safe.
Cracking Down on Dangerous Drivers
Reckless driving destroys lives. Following the heartbreaking death of Andrew Cristillo, and in direct response to the Andrew’s Law petition launched by his family, we are introducing the toughest measures Ontario has ever seen to get dangerous drivers off the road:
- Immediate 90-day roadside licence suspensions and seven-day vehicle impoundments when police have grounds to believe a driver was operating dangerously.
- Higher penalties for impaired, careless, and suspended driving.
- Increased consequences for distracted driving — especially for commercial drivers.
- Exploring measures such as requiring impaired drivers who kill a parent or guardian to pay ongoing child support.
No family should lose a loved one because someone chose to drive dangerously. Your PC government is taking action to make sure Ontario’s roads are among the safest in North America.
Protecting Victims and Supporting Public Safety Personnel
The legislation also includes proposals that would:
- Explore making parts of Ontario’s Sex Offender and Trafficker Registry publicly accessible so families have the information they need to stay safe.
- Crack down on illegal drug production and use — including on public transit.
- Protect critical infrastructure such as hospitals, transit hubs, and places of worship from intimidation, harassment, and unsafe disruptions.
- Expand wellness supports and embed the Constable Joe MacDonald Public Safety Officers’ Survivors Scholarship Fund in statute, ensuring their families are supported when tragedy occurs.
- Strengthen protections for correctional officers working in adult institutions.
Our public safety heroes put their lives on the line every day. We’re ensuring they have the support, protection, and respect they deserve.
Standing Up for Animals
To protect animals and ensure their humane treatment, the government will also:
- Restrict invasive medical research on dogs and cats except for necessary veterinary purposes.
- Increase penalties for harming animals that work alongside peace officers.
- Begin consultations in early 2026 to ban medically unnecessary procedures like declawing and ear-cropping.
We will never stop working to protect Ontario. Premier Ford and our team will continue to make record investments to ensure police, prosecutors, and correctional officers have the resources they need to keep our communities safe.