Kelowna backs bail reform, urges more supports

Kelowna City Council is welcoming the royal assent of Bill C-14, the Bail and Sentencing Reform Act, saying it will strengthen bail rules for repeat and violent offenders and impose tougher sentencing provisions aimed at improving public safety.

The city says the legislation reflects key concerns it has raised at the federal level, including the handling of repeat property crime. Officials say Kelowna has been in direct contact with federal Justice Minister Sean Fraser as part of its push for bail reform.

Earlier this year, Kelowna’s mayor testified before the federal Justice and Human Rights Committee, outlining the local impact of repeat offending on residents, businesses and frontline workers. He was the only B.C. mayor invited to appear and urged MPs to strengthen bail provisions and broaden criteria for pre-trial release decisions.

Council says public safety remains its top priority and that it has worked with data and input from residents, businesses and first responders to inform its advocacy.