June 18, 2026
BCACP Statement on the Passage of Bill C-14 – Bail and Sentencing Reform Act
For several years, police leaders and law enforcement partners across British Columbia and Canada have called for reforms to address repeat violent offending and to better equip the justice system to respond to the realities faced by victims and communities. The passage of Bill C-14 marks an important step in that direction.
Across British Columbia, concerns have grown regarding repeat violent offending, intimate partner violence, and the challenges associated with individuals who repeatedly come into contact with the justice system while awaiting the resolution of criminal proceedings. These issues have been consistently raised by those working on the front lines and by victims’ advocates, helping to bring both urgency and practical insight to the discussion. The reforms introduced through this legislation reflect those lived experiences and the sustained calls for change.
The BCACP recognizes the significant advocacy of frontline officers, police associations, and provincial and federal policing partners across Canada, whose persistence and practical perspectives were key in moving this issue forward. We also acknowledge the broader contributions of justice-sector stakeholders who helped shape the national conversation. The role of governments in advancing these reforms is appreciated as part of that wider collective effort.
Bill C-14 is one part of a broader response to repeat offending and community safety. While legislative change alone will not address the complex factors that contribute to criminal behaviour and victimization, it does provide additional tools to support a more effective and responsive justice system.
The BCACP remains committed to working with policing partners and all levels of government to advance practical, evidence-informed approaches that enhance community safety while upholding fairness, accountability, and public confidence in the justice system.
Deputy Chief Constable Andrew Chan
President, BC Association of Chiefs of Police
Department of Justice Canada Backgrounder can be found here.