The right to lay private informations is a fundamental constitutional safeguard, ensuring that when authorities fail to act, citizens can still seek justice. However, the BC Prosecution Service (BCPS) has not included any statistics or mention of private prosecutions in its annual reports. This omission raises concerns about transparency and accountability.

Read about my experience here. I give a behind the scenes look at how private prosecutions are really handled in this province.

We, the undersigned, call on the BCPS to:

Include Comprehensive Statistics on Private Prosecutions:

Provide data on the number of private prosecutions initiated, stayed, or taken over by the Crown.
Report on the outcomes of these cases, including the percentage that proceed to process hearings.

Ensure Public Access to Information:

Private prosecutions are a vital tool for the public to address perceived failings in the justice system. The absence of this data prevents an accurate assessment of how the BCPS is managing these cases.
Transparency in this area will allow the public to understand whether private prosecutions are being fairly considered or routinely dismissed without due process.

Maintain Accountability:

The lack of statistics on private prosecutions could suggest a systemic issue. If the BCPS is so quick to stay proceedings against government-appointed officials, how many other cases have been similarly dismissed?
Transparency in reporting will enhance public trust in the justice system and ensure that the BCPS is held accountable for its decisions.
If the BCPS does not see fit to report on private prosecutions, the public has the right to ask: Why not?

The BCPS should not be allowed to operate in the shadows when it comes to private prosecutions. Including these statistics in their annual report is a step towards a more transparent, accountable, and just legal system in British Columbia.

Sign this petition to demand transparency and accountability from the BC Prosecution Service!