Whereas repeat offenders, particularly those involved in property crimes, pose a significant threat to community safety and well-being, contributing to increased fear, financial loss, and a decline in community trust; And whereas current measures, including sentencing and bail provisions, have proven insufficient in deterring repeat offenders and ensuring public safety, necessitating stronger sentencing guidelines and reforms to prevent high-risk individuals from reoffending while awaiting trial: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM urge the provincial government to implement stronger sentencing guidelines for repeat offenders, including harsher penalties and more stringent probation requirements; And be it further resolved that UBCM urge the provincial government to collaborate with the federal government to pursue necessary bail reforms that enhance public safety and effectively address the issue of repeat offenders.
Ministry of Attorney General Government recognizes that a stronger response is required to address repeat offending, especially in the context of property crime. This is why we have been leading the way in advocating for stronger bail conditions and consequences for repeat offenders, including those who repeatedly commit property crime. As a result of extensive collaboration with provinces and territories across the country, as well as engagement with key criminal justice system stakeholders, Bill C-14, the Bail and Sentencing Reform Act, was introduced by the federal government on October 23, 2025. The bill introduces several new reverse-onus provisions for offences related to organized crime, auto theft, and breaking and entering, among others. It also strengthens the framework for bail decisions by requiring courts to consider the number and gravity of outstanding charges, and to scrutinize cases involving random and unprovoked violence. Under the new bail framework, courts will be directed to prioritize public safety when applying the principle of restraint and to impose stricter conditions of release where appropriate. With regard to sentencing, Bill C-14 makes a number of changes that are meant to target repeat offenders in addition to violent offenders. Bill C-14 creates new aggravating factors for offences such as organized retail theft. Courts will be required to prioritize denunciation and deterrence in sentencing for certain offences, including repeat motor vehicle theft, break and enter, and offences that benefit a criminal organization. Many of the proposals British Columbia advocated for are reflected in this legislation. We are committed to working collaboratively with our federal partners to implement the reforms proposed in Bill C-14 and will monitor the changes to ensure they have the intended impacts of increasing public safety and deterring repeat offending in our communities.