BC NDP MLA introduces bill addressing reckless driving, following tragedy for local family

VICTORIA – Juan de Fuca–Malahat MLA Dana Lajeunesse has introduced the Motor Vehicle Amendment Act (No.2), 2025, known as Xavier’s Law, to provide new tools to remove dangerous drivers from the road and prevent future tragedies.

If passed, the bill will create a 30-day driving prohibition for reckless driving and require police to report every reckless driving incident to the Superintendent of Motor Vehicles. This ensures patterns of dangerous behaviour can be identified and addressed before tragedies occur.

The bill is named in honour of Xavier Rasul-Jankovics, a young boy from Lajeunesse’s community who was killed by a reckless driver earlier this year. His family’s advocacy has inspired this legislation and its focus on prevention.

“Everyone deserves to feel safe using our roads,” said Lajeunesse. “Xavier’s family have shown tremendous courage and determination. This bill ensures their advocacy leads to positive change and helps prevent other families from experiencing such senseless tragedies.”

The bill clearly defines “reckless driving” to guide police in identifying and reporting incidents that meet the threshold for the 30-day prohibition. The definition includes behaviours such as extreme speeding, deliberate loss of control, and racing.

“As a family, we’ve been touched by the community’s care and concerns after our son Xavier was killed by a dangerous driver three months ago,” said Zahra Rasul and Josh Jankovics, Xavier’s parents. “We are grateful to our MLA Dana Lajeunesse and his team, Minister Krieger, AG Sharma, and Premier Eby for their quick action. With this important step of this bill being brought forward, we know our concerns have been heard and these laws will help ensure our tragedy is never repeated. Nothing will bring Xavier back, but we hope this step will protect other families from experiencing the heartbreak of losing a beloved and innocent child.”

Xavier’s Law stands as a commitment to safer roads and to do everything possible to ensure that no other family must endure a loss like Xavier’s.

As the bill moves forward, members of the public and stakeholders will have an opportunity to share their perspectives and strengthen this important legislation.

A backgrounder with more information about the bill can be found here.

Read the bill online at https://leg.bc.ca/parliamentary-business/overview/43rd-parliament/1st-session/bills/1st_read/m226-1.htm