When the Trudeau government tabled a package of reforms designed to fight delays in the justice system in 2018, there were mixed reactions to many of the proposals. Critics, in particular, feared Ottawa was tinkering around the edges, not tackling the real causes.
But one thing that seemed to inspire support was the creation of judicial referral hearings for bail violations.
Per the government, the new measures, which came into effect in September 2019, would "streamline certain administration of justice offences out of the traditional court system where no harm has been caused to victims."
These hearings would prevent re-incarceration over minor violations of release conditions, and prevent further administration of justice charges being laid, which eat up significantly more court resources.