Bail-reform Bill C-48 Receives Royal Assent

Summary#

This Canada Gazette entry (Part I, Vol. 157, No. 50), published December 16, 2023, reports items from the House of Commons, including that Bill C-48 — titled An Act to amend the Criminal Code (bail reform) — received Royal Assent on December 5, 2023. The notice also points readers to a standing order about private bills and a contact point for private members’ business.

What it does#

• Reminds readers that Standing Order 130 (about notices of intended applications for private bills) was published earlier and gives contact information for the Private Members’ Business Office. The entry lists Eric Janse as Clerk of the House of Commons for that notice.
• Records that Royal Assent was signified (by written declaration under the Royal Assent Act) for Bill C-48 on December 5, 2023, and that the written declaration was communicated to both the Senate and the House of Commons. The entry is signed by Gérald Lafrenière, Clerk of the Senate.

Who's affected#

• The Gazette text itself does not describe the detailed legal changes.
• In general, an amendment to the Criminal Code dealing with bail is most likely to be noticed by:
  • accused people who are awaiting trial and their families;
  • defence lawyers and prosecutors;
  • judges and court staff;
  • police and correctional services;
  • victims and community groups concerned with public safety.
• Exactly who feels the impact depends on the specific provisions of the law, which are not listed in this brief notice.

Why it matters#

• A law described as “bail reform” can change who must stay in custody before trial, what conditions courts can set for release, and how courts handle bail hearings.
• That can affect individual freedom, court workloads, and community safety.
• This Gazette notice confirms the bill has received Royal Assent but does not provide the text or details of the changes; for specifics you would need to read the enacted law or follow up with the Parliamentary or Justice sources referenced.