David Eby has defended his decision to refer to the Vancouver Filipino festival attack suspect Kai-Ji Adam Lo as a "murderer."The British Columbia branch of the Canadian Bar Association had written him a letter saying it was "deeply concerned" that he had used such language when discussing a case that was still before the courts — an move that is also prohibited in the legislature.Eby made the comment during a recent Question Period, also declaring he believed Lo should "spend the rest of his goddamn life in jail."The BC Conservatives were quick to jump on the premier, with MLA Steve Kooner pressing him and Attorney General Niki Sharma on the house floor. The CBABC weighed in on Tuesday.."We are deeply concerned that the Premier, the most senior and well-recognized leader in the BC government, is expressing opinions on legal outcomes prior to a fair trial," President Lee Nevens wrote in the aforementioned letter. "By ignoring the presumption of innocence and the requirement of due process in your public remarks, you give permission for others to do the same. Such action undermines the independence of the judiciary and the rule of law, and it fosters distrust in our justice system."The CBABC went on to thank Eby for going on to note that he still respects the independence of the judiciary, but made it clear that the believe "it is critical to the stability of our democratic society to have impartial legal processes and to ensure that judicial decisions are based on laws and facts, not emotion, political pressure or outside influences.".During an appearance on CKNW's Mornings with Simi, Eby was asked whether he "regret[s] weighing in on that the way that [he] did.""No I don't," the premier replied. "I have great confidence in the independence of the judiciary. I'll acknowledge being frustrated by that independence and some of the decisions I've seen ... and when you have an horrific, outrageous incident like we did after the Lapu Lapu festival, I think it's important that people know that from the top leadership of the province — and especially the Filipino community — that we're standing with them, that we understand the horror.".REVEALED: Suspect in horrific Vancouver Filipino festival attack was 'on extended leave' from hospital.Eleven people were killed and dozens more were injured when Lo allegedly drove through the crowded Lapu Lapu Festival in south Vancouver on April 26. He has been charged with eight counts of murder, though more charges are expected to be filed as the investigation continues.Vancouver Police Department Sgt. Steve Addison said Lo had a "significant history" of interactions with police and healthcare professionals related to mental health, and confirmed that he had "contact" with police on April 25, one day before the attack. Addison noted, however, that the interaction "was not criminal in nature," and "did not rise to the level where mental health intervention was required."
David Eby has defended his decision to refer to the Vancouver Filipino festival attack suspect Kai-Ji Adam Lo as a "murderer."The British Columbia branch of the Canadian Bar Association had written him a letter saying it was "deeply concerned" that he had used such language when discussing a case that was still before the courts — an move that is also prohibited in the legislature.Eby made the comment during a recent Question Period, also declaring he believed Lo should "spend the rest of his goddamn life in jail."The BC Conservatives were quick to jump on the premier, with MLA Steve Kooner pressing him and Attorney General Niki Sharma on the house floor. The CBABC weighed in on Tuesday.."We are deeply concerned that the Premier, the most senior and well-recognized leader in the BC government, is expressing opinions on legal outcomes prior to a fair trial," President Lee Nevens wrote in the aforementioned letter. "By ignoring the presumption of innocence and the requirement of due process in your public remarks, you give permission for others to do the same. Such action undermines the independence of the judiciary and the rule of law, and it fosters distrust in our justice system."The CBABC went on to thank Eby for going on to note that he still respects the independence of the judiciary, but made it clear that the believe "it is critical to the stability of our democratic society to have impartial legal processes and to ensure that judicial decisions are based on laws and facts, not emotion, political pressure or outside influences.".During an appearance on CKNW's Mornings with Simi, Eby was asked whether he "regret[s] weighing in on that the way that [he] did.""No I don't," the premier replied. "I have great confidence in the independence of the judiciary. I'll acknowledge being frustrated by that independence and some of the decisions I've seen ... and when you have an horrific, outrageous incident like we did after the Lapu Lapu festival, I think it's important that people know that from the top leadership of the province — and especially the Filipino community — that we're standing with them, that we understand the horror.".REVEALED: Suspect in horrific Vancouver Filipino festival attack was 'on extended leave' from hospital.Eleven people were killed and dozens more were injured when Lo allegedly drove through the crowded Lapu Lapu Festival in south Vancouver on April 26. He has been charged with eight counts of murder, though more charges are expected to be filed as the investigation continues.Vancouver Police Department Sgt. Steve Addison said Lo had a "significant history" of interactions with police and healthcare professionals related to mental health, and confirmed that he had "contact" with police on April 25, one day before the attack. Addison noted, however, that the interaction "was not criminal in nature," and "did not rise to the level where mental health intervention was required."
