Criminal Code Bail Reform Receives Royal Assent

Summary#

The Canada Gazette notes that An Act to amend the Criminal Code (bail reform) (also listed as Bill C-48, chapter 30, 2023) received Royal Assent by written declaration on December 5, 2023. The Gazette record shows both the Senate and the House of Commons were notified of that declaration on December 5, 2023.

What it does#

• Records that Bill C-48 (the bail reform amendment to the Criminal Code) received Royal Assent and is listed as chapter 30, 2023.
• Notes the assent was signified by written declaration and that the Senate and the House of Commons were notified on December 5, 2023.
• Mentions that Standing Order 130 (about notices for private bills) was previously published on November 20, 2021, with contact details for the Private Members’ Business Office.

Who's affected#

• People involved in the criminal justice system are most likely to notice changes: accused people facing bail decisions, defence lawyers, prosecutors, police, judges and court staff, correctional services, and victims.
• The Gazette item does not describe the text of the changes. It is unclear from this notice exactly which bail rules or procedures were altered.

Why it matters#

• Royal Assent means the bill has completed the parliamentary process and is formally enacted as of the date shown, so the bail rules in the Criminal Code may now be different in ways that affect who is released before trial and under what conditions.
• This notice does not explain the specific legal changes or their effective date. Anyone affected should look up the enacted text of Bill C-48 or seek legal guidance to see exactly what changed and when those changes take effect.