VICTORIA — B.C.’s justice minister admits the government’s contentious drunk driving penalties may again be challenged as unconstitutional after proposed changes this week.
New legislation will make it mandatory for repeat offenders to be referred to remedial programs, including the ignition interlock system that requires a person to blow into a breathalyzer before a vehicle starts.
“Yes, it may very well be challenged,” Justice Minister Suzanne Anton said Tuesday of the changes.
Vancouver lawyer Paul Doroshenko, who has spearheaded past legal challenges to the law, said he thinks government is trying to eliminate the review process for immediate roadside prohibitions.
“This changes the landscape of what the court had when it decided [Sivia]” said Doroshenko.
Doroshenko pledged to challenge government in court over parts of the new drunk driving legislation.