British Columbia Premier David Eby said Western Canadian premiers “struggled to understand the decision that was made in the federal Parliament not to call the bail reform bill.” .“This was something that was a focus at the Council of [the] Federation,” said Eby at a Tuesday press conference after the Western Premiers’ Conference. .“All premiers across Canada agreed that this was a priority.” .Canada's 13 premiers unanimously sent a letter to the federal government in January urging it to take immediate action to strengthen the country's bail system. .READ MORE: 'The time for action is now' premiers demand Ottawa strengthen bail system.“The justice system fundamentally needs to keep anyone who poses a threat to public safety off the streets,” said the premiers. .“And this starts with meaningful changes to the Criminal Code — an area solely within the federal government's jurisdiction.” .Police have called on the Canadian government to change bail laws. The bill was drafted, went through first reading, and was not called for second reading. .It has been deferred until at least the fall. Eby said the premiers outlined in their communique their disappointment it did not pass. .He acknowledged it has the support of all parties in the House of Commons. .“I’m calling on the federal government to get this bill passed at the first opportunity in the fall session because of the urgency of the matter,” he said. .Manitoba Premier Heather Stefanson followed up by saying it is important to recognize premiers across Canada agree with bail reform. .“We were happy when they listened to us and brought forward a bill, but of course, they have not followed through on that,” said Stefanson. .“Of course, if those changes are not made for bail reform, obviously it has a significant impact in our communities.” .Stefanson said people are seeing that across Canada. She added politicians “need to make sure that those violent offenders do not continue to get out on bail.”.Justice Minister David Lametti introduced the legislation to reform the bail system on May 16. .READ MORE: UPDATED: Bail system reform aimed at repeat violent criminals, dangerous weapons.The changes were intended to address repeat violent offenders and offences involving firearms and other dangerous weapons..These changes would create new reverse onus bail conditions for people charged with serious violent offences involving a weapon who were convicted of a similar crime within the last five years. The burden of proof will shift from Crown attorneys to offenders, where they will be required to prove in court why they should be released on bail.
