Conservative leader John Rustad: The NDP convention vote to repeal the Name Amendment Act is shocking and reckless

WILL THIS BE REPEALED

 

The NDP convention vote to repeal the Name Amendment Act is shocking and reckless. This law was introduced by Adrian Dix, passed unanimously in the legislature in 2023, and was designed to stop dangerous offenders from legally changing their names to hide from victims. Today, NDP delegates voted to scrap it. British Columbians should be alarmed.

This comes at a time when families, business owners, and entire communities are living with rising crime, lawlessness, and an extortion crisis that has shaken Surrey and the Lower Mainland. People are being targeted, businesses are being shot at, and many fear that the next phone call or knock on the door could be extortionists. The idea that the NDP would make it easier for violent offenders to conceal their identities is beyond comprehension.

The NDP just voted to repeal a law that prevents dangerous criminals from wiping their names clean. This law was their own government’s work. Now party activists have decided they want it gone. Premier Eby did not speak up to defend it and not one NDP MLA stood to defend the intention and purpose of their own legislation. Their silence says everything about their commitment to public safety.

This is not a government focused on protecting British Columbians. It is a government captured by activists who do not understand the realities facing victims and communities. While families live in fear, while extortion cases climb, and while police and prosecutors struggle with rising violence, the NDP are devoting their convention to weakening protections and laws that keep criminals accountable.

Conservatives will keep standing on the side of victims and public safety. We will oppose any move that puts offenders ahead of families, businesses, and communities. The NDP may have abandoned common sense. We have not.”