Toronto (Rajeev Sharma)— Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced on Monday, March 16, 2026, that his government is exploring the possibility of live-streaming bail hearings as part of a broader push to reform a justice system he describes as “broken.” Speaking at a news conference, Ford argued that making these hearings accessible to the public rather than just those who can attend in person would foster transparency and restore public confidence in the province’s legal processes.
Currently, the evidence presented during bail hearings is typically subject to strict publication bans to protect the integrity of future trials. While Ford did not detail how the province would navigate these legal hurdles, he emphasized that the goal is to bring “catch and release” patterns out into the open.
New Measures for Accountability and Data
In addition to live-streaming, Ford proposed several reforms aimed at violent and repeat offenders:
- Mandatory Written Justification: Ford wants to require judges and justices of the peace to provide written reasoning when granting bail to violent offenders. He argues this would ensure consistency and allow for easier public review.
- Anonymous Regional Dashboard: To identify potential biases and promote accountability, the province is considering a dashboard to track bail decisions across different regions.
- Federal Pressure: Ford reiterated his call for the federal government to overhaul national bail laws, stating that Ontario needs Ottawa to “follow through with their promise” to keep repeat offenders behind bars.
Infrastructure: 295 New Beds for Eastern Ontario
The policy announcements coincided with a major infrastructure update. The province has issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to build the new Brockville Correctional Complex and expand the St. Lawrence Valley Correctional and Treatment Centre.
- Increased Capacity: This specific project will add 295 correctional beds to Eastern Ontario.
- Long-term Goal: The expansion is part of a larger provincial mandate to add 1,436 new beds across Ontario by 2032, ensuring that offenders are not released prematurely due to lack of space.
Escalating “Law and Order” Agenda
These proposals follow a series of aggressive stances taken by the Ford government recently. Last week, Attorney General Doug Downey petitioned the federal government to allow citizens to carry pepper spray for self-defence and called for the mandatory collection of DNA from suspects arrested for sexual offences.
Solicitor General Michael Kerzner echoed the Premier’s sentiment, stating that these “generational investments” in correctional capacity are essential to keeping violent criminals off the streets and holding them accountable.
