Kelowna Mayor Advocates for Urgent Bail Reform in Parliament

Kelowna Mayor Tom Dyas has publicly endorsed Bill C-14, the proposed Bail and Sentencing Reform Act, as it progresses through the Canadian Parliament. This legislation aims to amend provisions within the Criminal Code, the Youth Criminal Justice Act, and the National Defence Act. Specifically, Bill C-14 seeks to implement stricter bail regulations for violent and repeat offenders and establish tougher sentencing laws for serious crimes.

On February 5, 2024, Dyas addressed the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights in Ottawa, where he was invited as a witness to share his views. His testimony highlighted the troubling rise of property crime affecting businesses in Kelowna. “Business owners are dealing with repeated break-ins, vandalism, theft, and threats to employee safety,” he stated, underscoring how these incidents are linked to the actions of repeat offenders.

Dyas cited a case from the Kelowna Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), illustrating the severity of the issue. One individual has amassed 223 police files from 2021 to 2025, including 31 failures to comply with conditions and 32 failures to appear in court. Many of these offences, ranging from assaults to thefts, occurred shortly after the offender’s release. “Repeat property offenders are brazen, knowing there is limited consequence in the justice system that does not hold them accountable,” he emphasized.

The mayor urged the committee and Parliament to expedite the passage of Bill C-14, particularly its focus on repeat and violent offenders. “The requirement for courts to consider the number and severity of outstanding charges when making bail decisions is critically important,” he noted. Dyas expressed the hope that the bill could be modified to include “repeat property offences” and suggested changes to the reverse onus section to strengthen its impact.

During the hearing, Amarjeet Gill, Member of Parliament and member of the Justice and Human Rights Committee, questioned whether the current iteration of the bill would effectively keep repeat offenders off the streets. Dyas acknowledged that while he would prefer adjustments, he remained committed to supporting the bill’s advancement through Parliament.

The committee has been discussing Bill C-14 since January 28, when the Liberal government made the decision to pause a study on anti-hate legislation, specifically Bill C-9, to focus attention on reforming bail practices.

Dyas was joined on the witness panel by Clayton Campbell, president of the Toronto Police Association, and Judith Veresuk, executive director of the Regina Downtown Business Improvement District. Their collective testimonies aim to underscore the urgent need for legislative change in the face of rising crime rates across Canada.

As the discussions continue, the outcome of Bill C-14 could significantly reshape the landscape of Canada’s approach to bail and sentencing, particularly concerning repeat and violent offenders.