More than half of B.C. prosecutors’ requests for bail are rejected: David Eby

More than half of the requests by B.C. prosecutors seeking bail for people charged with criminal offences are being rejected by the court, said B.C. Premier David Eby.

The figure, based on preliminary data collected by the B.C. Prosecution Service, was shared by Eby in a letter to federal Justice Minister David Lametti on Friday, urging Ottawa to implement bail reform to help ensure public safety in communities across Canada.

“As you know, prosecutors seek detention when it is necessary to ensure the accused’ attendance, for the protection or safety of the public, or to maintain public confidence in the administration of justice,” he said.

“To have only half, or less than half of the cases in which Crown Counsel show cause for detention result in a detention order is deeply concerning.”

The figure is based on bail hearing outcomes across the province from Nov. 7 to Dec. 11, 2022 and from Feb. 27 to Mar. 12 this year.