Ontario is preparing legislation that would require people granted bail to pay a cash security deposit up front.
Solicitor General Michael Kerzner spoke about the move yesterday during a press conference, saying the province believes the rule of law matters and a safe Ontario is a strong Ontario.
The government says judicial discretion remains unchanged and that deposits would be returned at the end of each case.
Ontario's Associate Solicitor General Zee Hamid argued the measure would strengthen public safety and ensure bail conditions are taken seriously.
The Canadian Civil Liberties Association says the plan would unfairly penalize low-income Ontarians and increase the number of people jailed while awaiting trial.
(Written by: Matt LeBlanc)