Hour 1 of Ottawa Now for Thurs. October 16th, 2025

Next week, the feds will be moving ahead with a new approach to bail reform, as they aim to tackle violent crime rates across the country. Prime Minister Mark Carney says the crackdown will target violent repeat offenders, and will introduce a brand-new ‘reverse-onus’ bail for major crimes. In other words, the accused will have to prove to the courts why they can be trusted to be released. Chris Lewis, a former OPP Commissioner, describes this approach as a ‘no-brainer’, adding that it should also be used in the case of major retail thefts. Michael Spratt, a criminal defense lawyer at A.G.P. LLP, joins Kristy Cameron with his thoughts. Meantime, Carleton University’s campus community radio station is celebrating a major milestone today, as CKCU turns 50 years old. You’ll hear that story in Hour 1. But first, we bring you up to speed on today’s top headlines.