Kelowna Mayor Advocates for Urgent Bail Reform in Ottawa

Kelowna Mayor Tom Dyas has actively voiced his support for Bill C-14, the Bail and Sentencing Reform Act, as it progresses through the Canadian Parliament. This legislation seeks to amend sections of the Criminal Code, the Youth Criminal Justice Act, and the National Defence Act, with a primary focus on enhancing bail laws for violent and repeat offenders and instituting harsher sentencing for serious crimes.

During a session in Ottawa on February 5, 2024, Dyas addressed Members of Parliament as one of the invited witnesses before the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights. His testimony underscored the increasing problem of property crime affecting businesses in Kelowna. “Business owners are dealing with repeated break-ins, vandalism, theft, and threats to employee safety,” he stated, emphasizing that these issues reflect a broader pattern of repeat property crime across Canada.

He highlighted a concerning case provided by the Kelowna RCMP, noting that one individual had generated 223 police files between 2021 and 2025. The files included 31 failures to comply with conditions and 32 failures to appear in court, with the offender committing various crimes almost monthly, including assaults and thefts. Dyas pointed out that many of these offences occurred shortly after the individual’s release, indicating a systemic failure in holding repeat offenders accountable.

Dyas stated, “Repeat property offenders are brazen knowing there is limited consequence in the Justice System.” He reaffirmed the urgency of passing Bill C-14, particularly its provisions addressing repeat and violent offending. “It is critically important for courts to consider the number and severity of outstanding charges when making bail decisions,” he added.

When questioned by Amarjeet Gill, a member of the Justice and Human Rights Committee, Dyas expressed a desire for modifications to the bill. He suggested including “repeat property offences” as a specific focus and revising the reverse onus section. Despite these suggestions, he maintained his strong support for the bill and the necessity of its swift passage.

The committee’s discussions on Bill C-14 began on January 28, 2024, when the Liberal government opted to pause a study on anti-hate legislation, Bill C-9, to prioritize this reform. Dyas was joined by Clayton Campbell, president of the Toronto Police Association, and Judith Veresuk, executive director of the Regina Downtown Business Improvement District, who also presented testimony on the pressing need for bail reform.

As the legislative process continues, the emphasis remains on addressing the challenges posed by repeat offenders and enhancing public safety measures in communities across Canada.