Minister of Justice and Attorney General Shirley Bond released the following statement today on the driver record review and remedial programs:

"Our government remains committed to its immediate roadside prohibition (IRP) program, which has saved an estimated 104 lives over the past two years, and made a significant difference in the lives of B.C. families.

"The superintendent of motor vehicles has reviewed the driving records of 1,137 people who received an IRP just before the Supreme Court's Sivia decision in November 2011, but whose referral into remedial programs was suspended pending the court's decision on a remedy. We responded to the court's decision on the constitutionality of the law by strengthening the program, adding a more rigorous appeal process that became law last spring. The superintendent's review of these drivers has confirmed that most will no longer be required to proceed with the programs we have in place, which include Ignition Interlock and the Responsible Driver Program.

"While the majority of these drivers had not yet enrolled in these remedial programs, approximately 440 had - and based on the advice I've received, a process is now underway to determine which drivers may be entitled to reimbursement costs. Notably, this affects a very limited group of drivers.

"We are committed to fairness and believe this is simply the right thing to do. Every effort is being made to ensure that drivers who are entitled to a reimbursement receive it quickly and efficiently. Letters will be issued to these drivers confirming this.

"Make no mistake: none of these drivers are off the hook. This decision only relates to the remedial program requirements for that small group of impacted drivers and does not affect the prohibition, impoundment, monetary penalties or fees associated with the drinking and driving incident.

"Refinements to our groundbreaking program are to be expected and we are committed to making them in the fairest way possible, because we know that our tough approach is reducing the amount of alcohol-related injuries and fatalities on our roads."

Contact:

Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Justice
250 356-6961