Shelburne Provincial Court in Barrington (Acadia News)
Nova Scotia’s Justice Minister says the province supports Ottawa’s proposed reforms to bail and sentencing, calling them an important step toward safer communities.
Justice Minister and Attorney General Scott Armstrong said in a statement that the province backs the federal government’s new Bail and Sentencing Reform Act, which introduces stricter bail conditions and tougher penalties for repeat and violent offenders.
“As one of my first actions as Nova Scotia’s new Attorney General and Minister of Justice, I am pleased to have this opportunity to express our government’s support for Ottawa’s proposed changes to Canada’s bail and sentencing laws,” Armstrong said. “Nova Scotians deserve to feel safe in their homes and communities, and these changes are an important step toward that goal.”
He said the reforms will make it harder for people accused of serious and violent crimes — including home invasions and sexual assaults — to be released on bail.
The legislation also expands consecutive sentencing, allowing offenders to serve penalties one after another for certain violent crimes.
“These reforms will make it harder for those accused of serious and violent crimes to be released on bail,” Armstrong said. “It will expand consecutive sentencing as well as enable harsher penalties for repeat violent offenders, crimes against first responders and organized retail theft, and make conditional sentences unavailable for a variety of sexual offences.”
Armstrong added that Nova Scotia has already taken steps to strengthen its justice system, including the launch of a new dedicated bail court designed to handle cases more efficiently.
“Our government has already made key investments to strengthen our justice system, including the creation of a dedicated bail court that is beginning to improve how bail matters are handled,” he said. “We will be ready to move forward when these new federal measures take effect.”
The minister said Nova Scotia worked closely with the federal government while the bill was being developed and plans to continue that partnership as the measures are implemented.
“We were pleased to participate in conversations to inform this bill, and we will continue to work closely with our federal partners to make sure these changes deliver what matters most to Nova Scotians – safer communities and greater confidence in our justice system,” Armstrong said.
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