New Bail and Sentencing Reform Act Unveiled with Major BC Influence
Ottawa’s latest legislative move, the Bail and Sentencing Reform Act, has come into the spotlight showcasing British Columbia’s significant involvement in shaping crucial elements of the extensive law.
Introduced in Parliament recently by Justice Minister Sean Fraser, Bill C-14 specifically targets repeat and violent offenders.
The proposed amendments to the Criminal Code are a result of extensive collaboration with the provincial government, BC mayors, and local law enforcement, all advocating for stricter regulations to prevent high-risk criminals from being on the streets.
Among the notable changes championed by BC are the introduction of reverse onus provisions for individuals facing charges in violent extortion and sexual assault cases involving choking or strangulation.
Under these provisions, the accused must now demonstrate why they should be granted bail, shifting the burden of proof from the Crown to the defendant.
Attorney General Niki Sharma and Public Safety Minister Nina Kreiger were instrumental in advocating for these measures.
During a recent press briefing in Victoria, Fraser commended the exceptional dedication shown by Ministers Krieger and Sharma in driving these reforms forward.
Additionally, BC’s influence is evident in several sentencing clauses of the legislation, such as the authorization of consecutive sentences for cases where extortion is linked to serious crimes like arson.
This modification would allow offenders to serve time for each conviction successively rather than concurrently.
Furthermore, the bill aims to abolish house arrest for severe sexual offenses, particularly those involving crimes against children, aligning with BC’s priorities.
The proposed legislation, a result of comprehensive provincial consultations, reflects the significant impact of BC’s input.
Sharma expressed gratitude toward Minister Fraser and his team for incorporating BC’s perspectives into the bill, emphasizing the ongoing collaborative efforts.
Looking ahead, Bill C-14 will progress through Parliament, with indications from the Liberal government about an upcoming complementary legislation piece before the year-end.
Fraser highlighted that the forthcoming bill will concentrate on intimate partner violence, potential first-degree murder presumptions in specific femicide instances, and enhanced measures for sexual offense cases and court efficiency.
Sharma reiterated BC’s commitment to actively contribute to shaping a justice system that upholds the law, ensures the right individuals are incarcerated, and strives for safer communities nationwide.