{
  "id": 1553030,
  "title": "New Ontario cash bail requirements now in effect, advocates poised to file constitutional challenge",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/17/new-ontario-cash-bail-requirements-now-in-effect-advocates-poised-to",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-17T20:07:45.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "CityNews",
    "slug": "citynews",
    "url": "https://toronto.citynews.ca/2026/08/17/ontario-cash-bail-requirements-court-challenge/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Two prominent legal rights groups, the Canadian Civil Liberties Association and the Criminal Lawyers’ Association, are set to file an urgent constitutional challenge against Ontario’s new cash bail requirements. The Ford government’s push for stricter bail laws has come into effect, mandating individuals accused of a crime to provide a full cash security deposit within two business days once released from custody. The government claims this move strengthens accountability, as financial consequences become immediate should the accused breach bail conditions or fail to attend court, resulting in forfeiting bail. Ontario Solicitor General Michael Kerzner emphasized that bail conditions are court orders, and penalties must be enforced when violated.\n\nUnder previous regulations, cash deposits were not necessary if an accused was released on a promise to pay. Critics argue that this change creates unnecessary barriers to enforcing bail orders and recovering forfeited bail money. Additionally, the new law enables the garnishment of wages and bank accounts, property liens, and seizure and sale of property. Sureties, individuals who agree to ensure the accused follows bail conditions, are now required to provide up-to-date identification and contact information. Failure to do so could result in charges under the Provincial Offences Act.\n\nThe Canadian Civil Liberties Association and Criminal Lawyers’ Association argue that cash bail creates a two-tiered justice system, favoring the wealthy over those who cannot afford to pay. Innocent individuals, first-time accused persons, and non-violent allegations will face penalties or may not be released if a surety is unwilling to step forward. The organizations assert that the new laws violate the Canadian constitution, as criminal procedure falls under federal jurisdiction and that there is a Charter right to reasonable bail. They further note that the province already possesses tools to address violations of bail conditions through forfeiture of the pledged amount when a condition is breached.",
  "summary": "The Ontario government now requires a full cash security deposit to be paid within two business days of an accused being released.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}