Recognizance
A written acknowledgement in accordance with Form 11 of the Criminal Code of responsibility for a debt not to exceed $500, to be forfeited upon failure to appear in court. A potential basis upon which bail can be granted.
Source

Title: Criminal Procedure 3/e
By: Steve Coughlan
Either (1) an obligation of record that is entered into before a court, containing a condition to perform a particular act, such as making a court appearance, or (2) a sum of money pledged to assure the performance of such an act.
Source

Title: Mental Health Courts
By: Richard D. Schneider, Hy Bloom and Mark Heerema
A formal promise made by the accused to appear and respond to criminal charges. Depending on the circumstances, the accused may enter the recognizance before a police officer or a magistrate.
Source

Title: Trauma, Trials, and Transformation
By: Judith Daylen, Wendy van Tongeren Harvey and Dennis O’Toole
Foreword by Claire L’Heureux-Dubé
Form of release in which the accused person acknowledges that she will owe the state a specified amount of money in the event of default. If the release involves sureties, they are similarly obligated.
Source

Title: Understanding Bail in Canada
By: Gary T Trotter