Thoughts on BC Politics and More

British Columbia's attorney general has announced further provincial measures aimed at combating intimate partner violence, while calling newly tabled federal legislation "a step toward justice." Nikki Sharma said Tuesday the province will be establishing a comprehensive provincial framework to provide guidance to all those within the justice system to help better respond to intimate partner violence. BC will also be creating an "internal government accountability mechanism to monitor the implementation" of reforms. The changes come after the release of a systemic review in June of the province's treatment of victims, survivors of sexual assault and intimate partner violence in the legal system ... CLICK HERE for the full story 

The daughter of a BC Conservative MLA is sharing her experience, years after someone shared an intimate image of her without her consent.  Amelia Van Popta’s story was central to a change in B.C. law that gives other victims more time to seek justice in similar situations ... ... in a show of cross-party support, BC Attorney General Niki Sharma has agreed to make those changes.  Sharma thanked Van Popta and Amelia “for really bringing the human impact to this place about how those types of crimes can really impact people and their family.” ... CLICK HERE for the full story  

Statement from Kelowna Conservative MLAs Kristina Loewen, Gavin Dew, and Macklin McCall, who stand with the McCourt family and condemn the NDP's refusal to support Bailey’s Law “We spoke with Bailey McCourt’s family and share their deep disappointment in Premier David Eby and Attorney General Nikki Sharma. The Premier said he supported their advocacy for legislative change to protect victims of intimate partner violence, yet now refuses to stand behind Bailey’s Law. The family’s grief and frustration are understandable. Once the spotlight was off, the NDP left them behind. This government seems more concerned about the optics of supporting a Conservative bill than about saving women’s lives. Bailey’s Law is a practical and life-saving reform that deserves full provincial support. Refusing to endorse it is a moral failure. The Attorney General promised to meet with the McCourt family and has not done so. The Premier boasts about his government’s feminist credentials, but true leader...