LAM speaks out on Bail Reform
31/10/2025
“Any bail reform must ensure safety for our communities while not trampling on human rights.”
– Executive Director, Peter Kingsley, K.C.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 26, 2025
Winnipeg, Manitoba – It’s a fact any one of us could need a lawyer one day. It’s also a fact not everyone can afford to pay for legal advice and representation. Legal Aid Manitoba (LAM) is here to help ensure people with limited income have access to representation in court.
As lawyers across the country get set to take part in Access to Justice Week, especially important conversations are taking place regarding the criminal legal system in Canada of which LAM plays a critical role.
“The law is very much top of mind for a Canadians right now. It’s important at this time to talk about defence lawyers and why they matter in the legal system,” said Peter Kingsley, K.C., Executive Director Legal Aid Manitoba. “More importantly, this is an opportunity for all Manitobans to learn more about the legal system and why it works as it does.”
Right now, a pointed conversation is taking place on bail reform. LAM understands the concerns many Manitobans hold regarding bail including how it works and who is eligible. It must be stated; LAM is not against bail reform but holds concerns on how the process unfolds.
“Any bail reform must ensure safety for our communities while not trampling on human rights,” added Kingsley. “One of the fundamental protections under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms is the right to the presumption of innocence until proven guilty. Bail reforms must not impede on this in any way; presumption of guilt cannot enter the equation.”
The Government of Canada has unveiled its plan to overhaul the bail system. The current recommendations have targeted retail theft, among other offences, which will disproportionately impact people living in socio-economic crises, with health conditions such as substance reliance, and poor mental health. LAM worries removal of judicial discretion will also impact those least able to afford more expensive and elaborate bail plans when the real help needed is not legal, but around homes, work, and health needs.
“The poorer in our communities might not have the ability to work through reverse onus and support a complicated release plan,” said Kingsley. “The effect will be more disadvantaged Canadians behind bars, larger burdens on the courts, and reduced access.”
It is also of note that while the federal government speaks of funding for police, courts, and prosecutions it says nothing of the increased cost of providing defence counsel to meet the increased demand notwithstanding their consistent failure to meet their fair share of the current burden.
There are ways to allow bail and decrease the chance of repeat offences or breaking conditions set upon the accused. Some solutions include culturally sensitive conditions in Indigenous communities, GPS monitoring bracelets, and increased oversight and support services for people on bail.
Our role as defence lawyers is to ensure that a person is not denied their right to liberty except in accordance with the fundamental principles of justice. These words taken from the Charter are fundamental to our democracy and our personal freedoms. If we do not protect the least of us, there is no protection for the rest of us. LAM ensures all Manitobans have access to a lawyer when needed.
There are several free events for the public during Access to Justice Week which runs October 27th to 31st, 2025. LAM encourages you to take part in one or more of the four virtual public sessions to learn more about accessible legal services, AI and access to justice, justice through art and media, and sentencing circles. Access to Justice week events are available through the Law Society of Manitoba, The Manitoba Bar Association, and the University of Manitoba Faculty of Law websites.
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Legal Aid Manitoba is committed to increasing access to justice by establishing sustainable, scalable, and accessible full representation programs for low-income individuals, the working poor, and public interest groups. LAM assisted more than 100,000 Manitobans in 2023/24.
Media inquiries: media@legalaid.mb.ca
