Ottawa Now - Criminal defense lawyer questions Carney's bail reform gameplan

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. Initial priorities range from breaking-and-entering and violent auto theft, to human trafficking and sexual assault. And to handle this increased workload, the RCMP would be adding 1,000 officers to the workforce. 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 on today’s Ottawa Now.