A coalition of local mayors and Vancouver’s police and fire chief are calling on the provincial and federal governments to do something about public safety and the ongoing mental health crisis.
Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim fronted media Monday morning, flanked by his city’s fire and police chiefs, and counterparts from other Metro Vancouver municipalities.
The coalition issued a three-point plan, urging immediate action to be taken “on the public safety and mental health crisis gripping Vancouver and other communities across this great province of ours, and we’re united in calling for immediate action to address this crisis on three critical fronts,” Sim said.
Firstly, they want Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to provide funding to help care for those dealing with severe mental health and addiction.
“Secondly, we are requesting quick and decisive action, both by the Premier and the federal government to bring forward meaningful bail reform for repeat offenders,” Sim explained.
And finally, the coalition is calling, “once again,” on the Prime Minister and the federal government to “take decisive action when it comes to implementing actual policing at Metro Vancouver’s ports to combat organized crime by stopping the importation of illicit toxic drugs.”
Sim explained he, and the other members of the coalition were buoyed by Premier David Eby’s announcement on Sunday that a re-elected NDP government would create a billion-dollar involuntary treatment program for people suffering from a combination of mental illness, addiction, and brain injury.
Eby shared at the time that legislation would provide clarity and ensure people, including youth, would be able to receive care when they are unable to seek it themselves.
“I do want to take a moment to recognize Premier Eby for his announcement yesterday to implement mandatory care and the creation of 400 mental health beds across the province. Now, the provincial government’s willingness to partner with us on public safety by pivoting on policies like decriminalization and now addressing the mental health and addictions crisis shows a commitment to real change,” Sim shared.
“This is an incredibly vital step forward, and I know if you asked anyone here today, they would agree that our top priority as mayors and community leaders, once again, regardless of political affiliation, is the safety and the well-being of every single person in our communities that are struggling with mental health and addiction challenges or if they’re just kids or parents or business owners or visitors to our region.”
Sim went on to say the current system has “failed British Columbians and their families for decades. This has been going on for a long time,” calling out those who have been the victim of assaults and “random attacks.”
“And it’s failed those who’ve been struggling with severe mental health and addictions challenged. We can’t afford to let this continue any longer, can’t afford people to fall through the cracks,” Sim continued.
“The number of individuals that are battling severe mental health and addiction issues, and possess a risk to themselves and others due to lack of adequate care has reached a critical point.”
More to come.
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