BC takes action to prevent offenders from changing their names after a child killer successfully changes their name legally

People convicted of serious Criminal Code offences in British Columbia will no longer be able to legally change their names, according to new legislation introduced today.

The proposed law, presented by Health Minister Adrian Dix, aims to amend the Name Act in the province to prevent individuals convicted of dangerous crimes from changing their names.

This legislation follows a recent case where child-killer Allan Schoenborn was allowed to legally change his name, prompting Opposition BC United Leader Kevin Falcon to propose a private member’s bill to amend the same act.

Allan Schoenborn was convicted of three counts of first-degree murder for killing his children, aged five, eight, and 10, in 2008.

Despite the verdict, Schoenborn was deemed not criminally responsible due to a mental disorder.

Mr. Dix emphasized that the revised law will ensure that individuals convicted of serious crimes causing harm to others cannot evade accountability or consequences by changing their names.

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