British Columbia’s Attorney General Niki Sharma and Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Nina Krieger have welcomed the federal government’s proposed Criminal Code amendments, calling them a step forward in protecting communities and holding repeat offenders accountable.

Attorney General Sharma said the measures, including expanded reverse-onus bail in high-risk cases and tougher sentencing for repeat violent offenders, reflect priorities B.C. has long championed. “British Columbia has led the country in calling for reforms that put public safety first,” Sharma said, highlighting protections for victims of intimate-partner and gender-based violence.

The federal changes, announced by Justice Minister Sean Fraser, respond to calls from police and Opposition parties for bail reform. Under the new rules, individuals accused of certain crimes would have to explain why they should be granted bail. Reverse onus, which already applies to serious offences like murder, would expand and include restrictions on house arrest for sexual assault and sex crimes involving minors.

Sharma said the legislation shows collaboration between provincial and federal governments but stressed that B.C. will continue advocating for stronger protections for victims. She also pointed to provincial efforts to implement Dr. Kim Stanton’s recommendations on inter-agency information sharing and risk assessment.

Public Safety Minister Nina Krieger emphasized the impact on policing. “Police in our province are too often arresting the same individuals for repeat offences, only to see them quickly return to the streets,” she said. The federal plan also includes hiring 1,000 new RCMP officers over four years, with B.C. aiming to secure its share. Provincial initiatives, such as the Repeat Violent Offender Intervention program, will complement federal reforms.

Both ministers stressed that the goal is clear: strengthen public safety, support law enforcement, and ensure communities are protected. Sharma also highlighted the tragic death of Bailey McCourt as a reminder of why stronger measures are needed to prevent intimate-partner violence.

B.C. plans to monitor the federal reforms closely to ensure they deliver the intended outcomes and keep communities safe.