Attorney general’s, minister’s statements on passage of bail, sentencing reforms

VICTORIA - Niki Sharma, Attorney General, and Nina Krieger, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, have released the following statements about the federal Bill C-14 (Bail and Sentencing Reform Act) becoming law:

Sharma said:

"Today, Bill C-14, the Bail and Sentencing Reform Act, received royal assent. This new law addresses reforms B.C. has been advocating for to better align Canada's bail and sentencing guidelines with real-world experiences, particularly the pattern of repeat offending, the dynamics of intimate-partner violence and the need for meaningful consequences for disrespecting the law.

"I am especially encouraged by changes to reverse-onus bail provisions, one of B.C.'s top priorities in our proposals to the federal government. Too many families in British Columbia have experienced devastating loss because of repeat violence. These changes will help better protect people before harm occurs.

"In cases involving choking, suffocation or strangulation, the burden is now on the accused to justify whether they should be released on bail, rather than on prosecutors to argue for detention. The new law also closes a gap that allowed some convicted offenders to reoffend again while out on bail awaiting sentencing. Together, these changes are an important step toward better protecting people, especially victims of intimate-partner violence, and communities impacted by repeat offending.

"This progress reflects sustained collaboration with our federal partners and the advocacy of provinces, territories and communities. I want to thank federal Justice Minister Sean Fraser and his office for their willingness to work with us and listen to the priorities that are important to the people of B.C.

"This is an important step forward, but we know police and prosecutors need more tools to keep B.C. safe. We look forward to the federal government advancing Bill C-16, the Protecting Victims Act, as soon as possible so we can continue protecting vulnerable people and communities."

Krieger said:

"I am pleased that Bill C-14, the Bail and Sentencing Reform Act, has received royal assent as it is an important step in keeping repeat offenders off our streets.

"For years, our government has been advocating for meaningful changes to the Criminal Code to address serious issues, such as repeat violent offending, extortion, organized retail theft and harms to businesses and critical infrastructure. Today, those efforts have resulted in stronger tools for the justice system and law enforcement officers to better protect communities and hold to account people committing these crimes.

"These reforms respond directly to the concerns raised by local governments, the business community and the people of British Columbia who have been calling for tougher measures to address crime and improve public safety. While there is still more work to do, I want to thank the federal government for passing Bill C-14 and Attorney General Sharma for her advocacy.

"Our government remains committed to doing everything possible to make B.C. communities safe. With stronger consequences for people who repeatedly flout the law, we're making important strides toward safer streets throughout B.C. and Canada, and restoring confidence in our justice system."

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