Question #1: Bail Reform & Public Safety
Debate about repeat offenders often focuses on reforming bail laws, yet many individuals appearing repeatedly before the courts struggle with untreated addictions, mental illness, homelessness or extreme poverty. What specific measures would your party take, inside and outside the justice system, to reduce repeat offending and ensure that federal bail reform is accompanied by meaningful investments in prevention, treatment, housing and health supports?
Question #2: Court Modernization
The BC Supreme Court has taken important steps to leverage technology to increase access to justice and efficiencies. However, the Court lacks the funding to establish a comprehensive data collection and disclosure system to identify where the most pressing improvements are needed and measure the impact of changes. Further, shortages in court services and sheriff staff contribute to delays. What specific investments would your party make over the next four years to support British Columbia's court infrastructure and keep pace with growing caseloads and technological expectations?
Question #3: Judicial Appointments and Court Capacity
While British Columbia’s population has grown by more than 35% since 2005, the complement of judges on the BC Supreme Court has increased by only 10%, and the Provincial Court’s complement has fallen by 4% creating a widening gap between population growth and judicial capacity. How would your party work with federal partners and the courts to ensure total judicial complement meets population and caseload needs and that judicial vacancies are filled promptly?
Question #4: DRIPA Implementation
Canada and British Columbia have supported the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, showing their commitment to achieving consensus with Indigenous Peoples as it pertains to their long-established civil, political, social, economic and cultural rights including the right to self-determination and free, prior and informed consent. What concrete actions would your party take to incorporate UNDRIP in B.C.?
Question #5: Rule of Law
The rule of law requires checks and balances throughout our democratic system, including an independent judiciary and independent lawyers free to represent their clients without government influence. How would your party ensure that independent lawyers and judges are free from political interference, and what principles would guide your government's future reforms affecting the rule of law?
Question #6: Justice System Priorities
What are your party’s top three justice system priorities, and how would you measure success by the end of your mandate?