Minister of Justice and Attorney General Shirley Bond has released the following statement on the Canadian government's Not Criminally Responsible Reform Act:

Choosing a sober driver, focusing on the road and keeping your speed appropriate to conditions are vital ways that you can ensure your family - and others - enjoy a safe season and reach your holiday destinations.

A significant increase in the number of recreational drowning incidents this summer is prompting the BC Coroners Service to reiterate the need for greater caution around the province's lakes, rivers and ocean coastline.

Last weekend, the BC Coroners Service began investigations into the tragic deaths of eight individuals who drowned in B.C.'s rivers and lakes. These deaths involved individuals from ages 12 to 75 and occurred in a variety of circumstances.

Bill 41, the Miscellaneous Statutes Amendment Act (No. 2), 2012, was introduced in the legislature today by Minister of Justice and Attorney General Shirley Bond. If passed, the amendments will affect the following provincial statutes:

Murdered women are eight times more likely than men to be killed by their spouse or romantic partner, according to new research from the BC Coroners Service.

British Columbia has partnered with five other Canadian provinces to retain a national legal consortium to prosecute health-care cost-recovery claims against Canadian tobacco manufacturers.