The Ontario government recently introduced Bill 10, the Protect Ontario Through Safer Streets and Stronger Communities Act, 2025. This legislation includes significant reforms to the criminal justice system. The Bill is meant to address public concerns about safety, crime, and accountability. However, it also contains important changes that could impact individuals facing criminal charges as well as landlords.
Key Changes to Criminal Law Under Bill 10
Bill 10 makes substantial amendments to several provincial statutes, including:
- Bail Act
- Children’s Law Reform Act
- Christopher’s Law (Sex Offender Registry)
- Highway Traffic Act
- Measures Respecting Premises with Illegal Drug Activity Act
The changes support the government’s overarching goal of creating “safer communities.” But they also raise critical legal questions. Below, we describe the major reforms and how they might impact you.
Bail Act
The Ontario government is proposing several changes that would significantly alter the province’s bail system. These reforms would include:
- Improving the collection process for forfeited bail by requiring sureties (i.e., those who agree to pay a set amount of money if the accused person violates bail conditions) to provide regular, up-to-date information.
- Introducing Intensive Serious Violent Crime Bail Teams. These teams will comprise prosecutors who, working closely with local and provincial police, will focus on presenting the best possible case at a bail hearing. Repeat offenders will be prioritized.
- Moving towards establishing user fees for people who are subject to GPS ankle monitoring. The funds would be used to offset program costs or support victim services.
- A comprehensive review of the bail system to ensure that it’s working smoothly and effectively.
These changes to the Bail Act could make bail hearings more complex and contested. As a result, strong legal representation at the bail stage is crucial for anyone accused of a crime.
Children’s Law Reform Act
Bill 10 also amends section 35 of the Children’s Law Reform Act, which pertains to restraining orders in the context of family law and child protection. The new legislation would allow additional people to apply for restraining orders.
Christopher’s Law (Sex Offender Registry)
Another notable element of Bill 10 is its impact on Ontario’s Sex Offender Registry. The proposed amendments to Christopher’s Law will give police more tools to monitor registered sex offenders. Sex offenders will be required to report to police within a prescribed time after being ordered to serve a conditional sentence or receiving a passport or driver’s license.
The bill would also amend the Change of Name Act, prohibiting sex offenders from changing their names while they have reporting obligations under the Sex Offender Registry.
Highway Traffic Act
Schedule 7 of Bill 10 amends the Highway Traffic Act. It contains new rules regarding the use of ignition interlock devices. Such devices may be seized and forfeited to the Crown after 30 days. Provisions are included for relief from the forfeiture. Additionally, the bill introduces a new section to the Act, which would indefinitely suspend a person’s driver’s license if they were convicted of driving while impaired and causing death.
Measures Respecting Premises with Illegal Drug Activity Act
On top of amending the above statutes, Bill 10 also creates a new one: the Measures Respecting Premises with Illegal Drug Activity Act.
This Act imposes penalties on landlords who “knowingly permit” their units to be used for drug production and/or trafficking. It also penalizes those who “knowingly possess” the proceeds from drug production and/or trafficking. However, landlords will not be held liable if they take “reasonable measures” to prevent the criminal activity.
The law applies to all landlords renting property for residential or commercial use. If the landlord is a corporation or non-profit housing provider, individual officers or directors of those corporations can also be held liable.
The Act imposes strict penalties on landlords and corporations convicted, including jail time and fines of up to $1 million. The Act also gives police certain powers, such as removing individuals from rental properties, closing commercial properties, seizing property, and restricting access to properties.
What This Could Mean for You
The new and amended legislation introduced by Bill 10 has significant implications for many individuals navigating Ontario’s justice system. For instance:
- If you are facing criminal charges, you may find that bail is harder to secure.
- If you are on the Ontario Sex Offender Registry, you will have to abide by broader and stricter rules.
- You may face harsher penalties if you are charged under the Highway Traffic Act.
- Landlords must deal with potential liability for drug-related activity on their properties.
In each of these scenarios, seeking legal advice from a trusted criminal defence lawyer can help you respond to these new laws effectively.
Adapting to Ontario’s Changing Criminal Law Landscape
The Protect Ontario Through Safer Streets and Stronger Communities Act, 2025 is a sweeping piece of criminal justice legislation with wide-ranging impacts. The new law is set to deeply alter the legal landscape in Ontario. While its stated goal is public safety, it creates several complex challenges for individuals involved in criminal proceedings.
Knowing the rules, understanding how they work, and obtaining timely legal advice can help protect your rights and safeguard your future.
Barrison & Manitius: Providing Trusted Criminal Defence Services Across Durham Region
If you’ve been charged with a criminal offence, Barrison & Manitius can help. Our team of skilled criminal defence lawyers can provide the best possible defence to minimize the risk of a conviction and permanent criminal record. We will continue to monitor the progress of Bill 10 and how it impacts your case, and will keep you apprised of all changes throughout. To learn more about what we can do for you, contact our office online or at 905-404-1947 to schedule a consultation.