Image Credit: Curtis Goodrum / CFJC Today

By Curtis Goodrum

BAIL REFORM

Kamloops City Hall optimistic about new federal bail reform

Oct 24, 2025 | 11:54 AM

KAMLOOPS – The City of Kamloops remains optimistic that new federal legislation to bring in stricter bail and sentencing rules for violent and repeat offenders will help reduce crime across the community.

Like many cities in Canada, Kamloops has been struggling with repeat offenders committing a vast majority of the crime, and Councillor Katie Neustaeter believes the new legislation is a step in the right direction.

“Canadians, British Columbians, people in Kamloops have been saying really clearly that we don’t think that there is enough deterrent for crime right now,” Neustaeter said. “Some of these changes are significant and they’re also very focused.”

“We know that repeat offenders have been a significant issue all across the country, and I am excited to see that there are changes that will address this. People should be afraid to commit crime in Canada.”

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The bill would impose a reverse onus on bail for certain offences, moving the burden of proof from the prosecutor to the accused, meaning they would have to justify being granted bail.

The legislation says judges would be required to impose weapons bans on people charged with extortion or offences related to organized crime when they do receive bail.

The bill also would allow for consecutive sentences for violent and repeat offenders, so that multiple sentences could not be served at the same time. Crimes subject to consecutive sentences would include vehicle theft, break and enter, extortion and arson.

It also would establish new aggravating factors for sentencing for repeat violent offences, offences against first responders, retail theft and mischief to property.

Despite the positive steps, Neustaeter added that Kamloops city staff and council will continue to advocate for more to be done about the crime in the area.

“I do expect our council will continue advocating for the things that we see here and need from our community, because there’s always more work to be done, and we are yet to be satisfied with how crime is being addressed,” she added.

“Overall, this should be a step in the right direction, but that doesn’t mean that we will take our foot off the pedal and let up on these issues until people feel safe in their communities again.”