Kamloops MP Caputo leads opposition charge on bail reform

“What this does is right now an accused might have a small hill to climb to show why they should be released. I’m trying to make that small hill much bigger and much steeper,” said Caputo. “The discretion would still remain with the trail judge, that is in order to keep it constitutional but also to ensure we have a fair system that is respectful.”

It was noted that Caputo is currently down on the notice paper, meaning the bill may not be debated soon, unless a fellow tory MP switches places with Caputo or the Liberals decide to table the bill themselves.

“If you look at the justice ministers’ responses in the House of Commons he in my view essentially sloughed off this issue, saying, ‘We are open to good ideas but the bail system is working.’ That’s how I took it. In the last week or two he has really changed his tune on this,” said Caputo.

While Caputo admitted the bill is not a silver bullet he strongly believes it’s a positive first step.

“These offenses are often committed by a really small subset of people and that is why we are trying to go narrowly at that sub-group who are going to be the ones who victimize otherwise innocent people,” stated Caputo.

This is the fourth private members bill Caputo has tabled in the house since he was elected.

by Michael Reeve

Kamloops MP Caputo leads opposition charge on bail reform

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