ATHABASCA – An attempt to lobby the provincial government about the continued release of repeat offenders in the area left Athabasca’s councillors shrugging their shoulders at the response.
Back in November, Town of Athabasca Mayor Rob Balay wrote the government of Alberta a letter, highlighting three habitual offenders in Athabasca who had been released on bail despite a laundry list of offences.
“I agree that the legislation your government passed which holds violent criminals accountable through an electronic monitoring system was needed and helped address some of the problems,” wrote Balay.
“Unfortunately, it does not address the main problem of ‘catch and release.’”
Offender One had been charged with 28 offences since May 2023, including multiple charges for failing to comply with court orders an drug trafficking. He had been released from custody each arrest except for one.
Offender Two has been charged with 62 criminal offences since 2016, including serious persons crimes, possession of methamphetamine, and break and enters.
Offender Three has been charged with 45 offences since 2019, including break and enters and theft of a motor vehicle.
“I am sure you can see why the level of frustration is so high across our entire province. This is not a policing issue. It is a judicial issue!” wrote Balay.
“I once again ask you prioritize reform of the judicial system that will hold habitual offenders accountable for their actions and prevent them from continuing to victimize those that work hard to have successful businesses and provide needed services to our communities.”
In Canada, the onus falls on the Crown in a bail hearing, meaning they need to prove to the judge why the accused should stay in jail. For more serious crimes, including murder, repeat offenders of intimate partner violence, and certain firearms offences, the onus falls on the accused to prove why they should be granted bail.
In January 2024, the federal government, after lobbying efforts from provincial Premiers including Premier Danielle Smith, amended bail to include more offences, but repeat property crime offences were left out, which rural Albertans say is a serious concern.
“Until we start dealing with habitual offenders more effectively and put stronger penalties in place for these individuals, nothing will change,” wrote Balay.
More of the same
Justice Minister Mickey Amery responded to Balay’s letter, but councillor’s weren’t impressed with the language he used.
“It’s all the same gobbledegook,” said Coun. Edie Yuill, eliciting a round of laughs and emphatic responses from her peers.
Yuill didn’t respond to a request for further comment.
Amery stressed the province’s inability to make changes on its own, but did say it was continue to lobby its federal counterpart for additional scrutiny throughout the process.
“I appreciate your concern for the safety of your community, and I recognize that increased criminality can significantly impact businesses and citizens, be it financial losses or a lost sense of security,” wrote Amery.
“To protect Albertans, the Government of Alberta will continue putting pressure on the federal government to take actions to improve the law and make it more responsive, keeping high-risk repeat offenders out of our communities and behind bars.”
