Provincial politicians banded together to unanimously pass a motion demanding bail reform after a much-loved woman died in a collision that involved a repeat offender.
In the morning of Jan. 15, 28-year-old Kellie Verwey was killed in a three-vehicle collision on Highway 26, about three kilometres east of Portage la Prairie.
A stolen pickup truck veered over the centre line, causing another truck to swerve into an SUV driven by Verwey. She died at the scene.
Headingley RCMP arrested 24-year-old James Lorne Hilton from the RM of St. Andrews. He was charged with multiple offences including dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing death, operation while impaired and failure to stop after an accident resulting in death. At the time, had a warrant out for his arrest.
On Monday, March 10, Progressive Conservative MLA Jeff Bereza introduced a motion calling for the provincial government to enhance bail enforcement and protect Manitobans from people who violate the conditions of their release. Lakeside MLA Trevor King supported the motion, which is close to his heart through a personal connection with Verwey.
“Kellie meant so much to so many that on March 10 on what would have been Kellie’s 29th birthday, her family, friends and communities gathered in the gallery of the legislature with a shared hope to push for change in our justice system so that no other family has to endure such a tragic and preventable loss,” he said.
“May Kellie’s memory serve as a call to action, inspiring us to fight for a system that truly protects the innocent. Kellie attended high school with our oldest son Colton. We had the opportunity to learn what a remarkable young women that she was and what she would have been. She most definitely made her mark on our communities and many lives, and she will be sadly missed.”
King said the catch-and-release justice system needs to be reformed, and he plans to continue working every day to make that happen.
“No family should have to experience what the Verweys have gone through,” King said.
“In Kellie’s memory, we brought forward a motion in the legislature demanding immediate action to crack down on repeat offenders, keep them behind bars and enforce bail before more innocent lives are lost. The system failed Kellie, and it’s failing too many other Manitobans.”
Sharilyn Knox, mayor of the City of Portage la Prairie, spoke out on the need for bail reform, calling on leaders to step up and make meaningful changes.
“I’m pleased to see the Manitoba legislature unanimously pass a motion to advance bail reform in our province. The province recently announced their five-point bail reform plan, and this is another step in addressing the concerns of communities across Manitoba,” Knox said.
“Our communities’ call for bail reform has been loud and clear, and while this progress is encouraging, the focus must now shift to the federal government to take meaningful action. Community safety should not be a partisan issue — this is about protecting Manitobans and all Canadians, and all levels of government must work together to ensure a justice system that prioritizes safety while ensuring accountability.”
