Legislative changes are now in effect that will prevent dangerous people convicted of serious Criminal Code offences from legally changing their names.

The amendments ensure people cannot hide behind a name change to avoid accountability for their crime.

The changes also increase transparency, so people, especially those who are disproportionately more likely to be victimized by crime, feel safer in their communities.

It now requires all applicants for a legal change of name in British Columbia aged 12 years and older to have a criminal-record check, which must be met within 30 days before a change-of-name application is filed with the Vital Statistics Agency.

The Name Act now prohibits a legal change of name for a person who has been found to be a dangerous offender or long-term offender; or found not criminally responsible for an offence due to a mental disorder.

The government says the requirement will protect people who are victims of crimes and abuse, rather than perpetrators of it.

For more information, visit Government of British Columbia.