B.C. Attorney General Niki Sharma is welcoming major Criminal Code reforms introduced by the federal government, saying they reflect key priorities the province has been pressing for in its efforts to address gender-based and intimate-partner violence.
The new legislation, Bill C-16: Protecting Victims Act, follows a year in which intimate-partner violence continued to rise nationwide, with more than 100 victims reported in 2024. Sharma noted that public concern has grown sharply following the deaths of several B.C. women, adding that these tragedies demonstrate why stronger protections are urgently needed.
The bill proposes significant changes, including classifying homicides involving a pattern of coercive or controlling behaviour as first-degree murder. It also introduces a new criminal offence targeting coercive control, and updates offences involving intimate images. Sharma says these changes support B.C.’s goals of reducing delays, preventing judicial stays, and improving safety for victims navigating the justice system.
At the provincial level, B.C. continues to implement recommendations from the Stanton Report to remove systemic barriers and improve supports across criminal and family-court processes. Work is underway on risk assessment, standardized safety planning and victim-centred approaches, alongside provincial bail reforms introduced earlier this year.
Parliamentary secretary for gender equity Jennifer Blatherwick says the legislation marks progress toward a justice system that better protects women, girls and gender-diverse people. Both officials emphasize that long-term, coordinated action remains essential to reducing violence and improving public safety.
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