Family and Survivors Demand Justice on the Anniversary of Owyn McInnis’ Tragic Death

“It is outrageous that when reckless disregard on our roads leads to the death of innocent university students and severe injuries to others, our laws respond with nothing more than a slap-on-the-wrist and the victims are not compensated for their life shattering injuries. Cases of such gravity demand the scrutiny of a judge and jury- not the discretion of a Crown prosecutor alone.” ~~ John Rustad, Leader of the Conservative Party of BC.

November 29, 2024, Kamloops, BC: On the anniversary of the tragic death of Owyn McInnis, killed in a devastating car crash caused by a driver alleged to have been operating a vehicle without due care and attention, his family and the surviving victims are speaking out to demand justice.

“The McInnis family has a very reasonable request; have a judge and jury determine if the driver is guilty of criminal actions in an open court,” said Conservative Party of BC Critic for Finance, Peter Milobar.

“His innocence or guilt should not be pre-determined behind closed doors.”

The driver, who faces charges under the Motor Vehicle Act for failing to drive with reasonable consideration for others, faces a maximum penalty of only $2,000 if convicted. For Owyn’s grieving parents and the two survivors of the crash, this penalty feels woefully inadequate in the face of the profound loss and trauma they have endured.

“It’s just another example that our justice system is broken,” added Ward Stamer, Critic for Forests.

“Considering the amount of evidence produced in this case by the RCMP, common sense would suggest that, at a minimum, criminal charges should have been supported and the accused made to sit in front of a judge and jury. For crown prosecutors to say they require a higher standard in a case such as this is, frankly, insulting to the victims and their families who deserve more from both our legislators and justice system.”

Owyn’s family is calling on the authorities to re-examine the case and pursue charges under the Criminal Code of Canada, where penalties for dangerous driving causing death and injury reflect the seriousness of the consequences. 

“The new ICBC “No Fault” system, brought in by David Eby, places remarkably limited responsibility on both the insurer and the offender, while shifting an overwhelming burden onto the victims. Reckless, inattentive driving that causes a fatality and serious injuries must carry serious consequences.” ~~ Brent Chapman, Conservative Party of BC Critic for Transit & ICBC

The Conservative Party of BC is calling on David Eby to amend his failed “No Fault” insurance policies as well as amendments to the justice system to ensure that victims are prioritized over perpetrators.