Conservative Critic for Attorney General Steve Kooner raised questions over  the  failure of the BC NDP government to manage the basic operational needs of B.C.’s justice system, which has resulted in criminal trials being unable to proceed.

Accusing the provincial government of ignoring public safety, Kooner said that the  NDP’s lack of priority on public safety and court operations is completely unacceptable. 

“The Supreme Court of British Columbia has announced that due to staffing, space, and transportation issues, criminal trials in several communities will have to be delayed or moved, and some suspects may even be freed from custody," Kooner said. 

Kooner stated, "This is the direct result of years of NDP mismanagement. Even while they record deficits, they have somehow neglected basic operational needs in our courts and allowed chronic understaffing to spiral out of control."

Stating further, Kooner said that the rural communities across this province such as Williams Lake are already dealing with a wave of crime from repeat offenders who are constantly being arrested and then released. Because of the NDP government’s failure to manage the justice system, they will now be forced to deal with even more offenders who can essentially act with impunity.  

“Real justice requires competence and fiscal discipline, not endless excuses. Law-abiding British Columbians are paying the price as dangerous offenders slip through the cracks," Kooner added.