B.C. rural criminal trials face transport challenges, Supreme Court warns

The B.C. Supreme Court says some criminal trials in rural communities may be disrupted by transportation issues linked to holding accused people in custody during proceedings. Associate Chief Justice Heather J. Holmes said the problem affects several courthouses, including Cranbrook, Dawson Creek, Fort St. John, Nelson, Powell River, Prince Rupert, Revelstoke, Rossland, Smithers, Terrace and Williams Lake. Until last year, incustody accused people could sometimes stay in local police detachments during trial if the nearest correctional centre was too far for daily travel, but police forces now say they do not have the staff or space to continue that practice. Court sheriffs have been looking for alternatives, including daily chartered flights between correctional facilities and courthouses. Holmes said each case will need to be reviewed individually for now, and if no solution is found a trial could be adjourned, moved closer to a correctional centre, or result in the accused being released from custody. Premier David Eby and B.C. Conservative critic Steve Kooner both commented on the issue, framing it as a question of court access, staffing, and public safety.