Helena Konanz MP for Similkameen–South Okanagan–West Kootenay, spoke in the House of Commons this week about issues related to bail reform, crime, and intimate partner violence.

Konanz discussed concerns raised by constituents regarding repeat offenses and the impacts of the current catch-and-release approach. She cited an example from Oliver where local residents and police have expressed frustration.

Konanz referred to changes made under the federal government’s “Principle of Restraint,” which directs judges to apply the least restrictive bail conditions possible. Critics of the policy, including Konanz, have linked it to increases in certain types of violent crime. Federal statistics show that Canada’s Violent Crime Severity Index has risen by 41 percent over the past decade.

Konanz

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