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.
Civil liberties advocates warn the proposal would create a two-tier system that keeps low-income people in jail even if they pose no risk.
The government says judicial discretion remains unchanged and that deposits would be returned at the end of each case.
Both the Smiths Falls Police Service and Lanark County OPP have pushed for stricter bail rules, saying repeat offenders too often return to local communities.
