The British Columbia government has enacted new legislative changes that prevent individuals convicted of serious criminal offences from legally changing their names. The amendments, which took effect on Sept. 1, 2024, aim to enhance public safety and prevent offenders from evading accountability through a name change.
The changes, under the Name Amendment Act (No. 2), 2024, require anyone aged 12 or older applying for a legal name change to undergo a criminal-record check. The record check must be completed within 30 days before the application is submitted to the Vital Statistics Agency.
The amended Name Act prohibits name changes for individuals convicted of prescribed offences outlined in the Name Regulation, those designated as dangerous offenders, long-term offenders, or individuals found not criminally responsible for a crime due to a mental disorder.
“These changes are about increasing transparency and ensuring that people, particularly those who are disproportionately more likely to be victims of crime, feel safer in their communities,” a statement from the province read.
While the government recognizes there are legitimate reasons for individuals to change their legal names, officials say the new requirements strike a balance between privacy and public safety.
The legislation reflects the province’s broader efforts to ensure individuals convicted of serious crimes cannot use a name change to avoid accountability, according to the government.
The amendments follow concerns that dangerous individuals were able to change their names without scrutiny, potentially posing a risk to public safety. By requiring criminal-record checks, the government aims to offer greater protection to victims of crime and abuse.
The new rules apply to all change-of-name applicants in the province, providing additional layers of protection and oversight, the province said.