September 2, 2026

NORTH BAY, ON – The Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities (FONOM) is calling on the federal and provincial governments to use the temporary suspension of Ontario’s new cash bail requirements as an opportunity to work together on a coordinated and constitutionally sound approach to bail reform.

An Ontario Superior Court judge has granted an injunction placing the Province’s new cash bail requirements on hold while the court considers a constitutional challenge. The new rules would have required an accused person or their surety to provide the full cash security deposit ordered by the court within two business days of release.

FONOM respects the judicial process and recognizes that the injunction is temporary and does not represent a final ruling on the constitutionality of the Province’s measures. However, the public-safety concerns that led to these reforms remain unresolved.

“The constitutional questions surrounding Ontario’s new requirements must be taken seriously, but so must the concerns being raised by municipalities, police services and victims,” said FONOM President Dave Plourde. “During this pause, the federal and provincial governments should work together to develop a bail-reform solution that respects the responsibilities of both levels of government and can withstand a constitutional challenge.”

Northern municipalities continue to experience the effects of violent and repeat offenders cycling through the justice system. FONOM is particularly concerned about the lack of accountability within the current surety system.

FONOM has been made aware of a troubling situation in Sault Ste. Marie where the same surety was reportedly used seven times in one day for the same accused person, who was arrested seven times.

“A surety is supposed to accept responsibility for supervising an accused person and helping ensure that bail conditions are followed,” Plourde said. “When the same surety can reportedly be used repeatedly without meaningful consequences following additional arrests, it raises serious questions about whether the current system is working as intended.”

FONOM has consistently supported reforms that strengthen accountability for sureties and better address violent and repeat offenders. This includes more consistent enforcement and the forfeiture of pledged funds when bail conditions are breached.

“Being a surety must involve more than signing a document or making a promise that is rarely enforced,” Plourde added. “There must be clear responsibilities and meaningful consequences when those responsibilities are not fulfilled.”

FONOM believes the federal government, which is responsible for Canada’s criminal law, and the provincial government, which administers the justice system in Ontario, must collaborate on reforms that are effective, enforceable and constitutionally sound.

“This should not become another jurisdictional dispute between governments,” Plourde concluded. “Both levels of government share a responsibility to protect the public and maintain confidence in the justice system. FONOM is asking them to use this time to find a lasting solution that protects the rights of accused persons while providing greater accountability and better protection for victims, police officers and communities.”

FONOM represents 110 municipalities across Northeastern Ontario and works to improve the economic and social quality of life for all Northerners.

 

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Media Contact:

 

Dave Plourde, President

Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities

705-335-1615 | [email protected]