⚖️ Bail Reform in BC: What Changed, What Still Needs to Change
By Tina Winterlik
British Columbia is seeing new attention on bail laws — and it’s connected to the very issues we’ve been exploring in our NCR series.
🚨 What’s happening:
- The federal government recently passed the Bail and Sentencing Reform Act (Bill C‑14).
- BC Attorney General David Eby collaborated closely to shape tougher rules on who can be released before trial.
- Key measures:
✅ Reverse onus for certain violent offences (accused must show why they should be released)
✅ Tougher rules for sexual assault cases involving strangulation
✅ Ending house arrest for some serious sexual offences - Eby has emphasized he will continue lobbying for victims’ families, believing more still needs to be done to protect communities.
🌪 Why this matters:
- These changes are part of a broader conversation about public safety vs systemic failures.
- Offenders we’ve discussed in NCR cases may have been released on bail; new rules aim to prevent tragedies but gaps remain.
- The reforms highlight the need for resources, monitoring, and mental health care, not just stricter laws.
💭 Reflective Questions:
- Does changing bail laws fix the root problems, like lack of treatment, housing, or wrap-around care?
- How can BC ensure that both public safety and compassionate care go hand in hand?
- Are victims and families truly part of the decision-making process when high-risk individuals are released?
🕯 Call to Action:
- Ask your MLA how resources will support these new bail laws.
- Demand transparency: how many offenders will actually receive treatment and supervision alongside stricter bail rules?
- Speak up for communities and families — change isn’t just about laws, it’s about action.
✨ Quote to Remember:
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." — Margaret Mead
📌 Links for context:
- Sean Fraser and David Eby Discuss Feds’ Bail-Reform Bill
- Eby continues lobbying for slain Kelowna woman's family
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