OTTAWA — The Liberal government tabled its long-awaited bail reform bill that it promises will make it more difficult for violent and repeat offenders to be released before trial in the hopes of increasing trust in the oft-maligned bail system.

The new bill C-14 also promises tougher sentencing laws for serious and violent crimes, such as consecutive sentences for repeat violent offenders, offences against first responders, organized retail theft and crimes interfering with essential infrastructures (such as copper theft).

On bail, the government proposes to impose a “reverse onus” — when the accused must convince a judge that they should be released pending trial — on additional charges linked to auto theft, breaking and entering homes, human trafficking and smuggling, certain forms of

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