'Help us protect our communities'

By Mata Press

Mayors, First Nations leaders, and law enforcement officials are intensifying their calls for action from the Federal Government to address what they are calling dual "crises" of public safety and mental health across the province.

They have sent an urgent appeal letter to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, which demands immediate, transformative steps on three key fronts: mental health care, bail reform, and enhanced policing.

In a news conference this week, Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim, alongside other mayors, First Nations leaders, and law enforcement figures, announced the appeal, underscoring the mounting pressures facing their communities.

The letter, co-signed by 10 mayors, three First Nations leaders, Vancouver Police Chief Adam Palmer, and other prominent figures, advocates for mandatory care for individuals suffering from severe mental health and addiction disorders.

Additionally, it calls for meaningful bail reforms for repeat offenders and heightened security at Metro Vancouver’s ports to stem the flow of illicit drugs and stolen vehicles.

Sim emphasized that the province is at a breaking point.

“We can’t afford to let this continue any longer,” he said.

“We can’t afford to let people fall through the cracks. The number of individuals battling severe mental health and addiction issues, who pose a risk to themselves and others due to a lack of adequate care, has reached a critical point.”

Sim outlined three critical areas where immediate support and action are needed from the federal government:

ｷ Provincial Mandatory Care and Federal Support: Mandatory care is urgently needed to address the escalating mental health and addictions crisis. Urgent action is needed by the Federal Government to provide legal and financial support to Provinces as they implement mandatory care for individuals with severe mental health and substance use disorders.

ｷ Meaningful Bail Reform for Repeat Offenders: To safeguard public safety, both the provincial and federal governments must take swift action to reform bail conditions, ensuring that repeat offenders who pose a threat to communities are kept off the streets.

ｷ A Federal Plan to Secure Our Ports: A national strategy is needed to secure Vancouver’s and the region’s ports and stop the flow of illicit drugs from coming in and the export of stolen vehicles.

The calls for reform come as both the provincial and federal governments face mounting pressure ahead of upcoming elections, where public safety and healthcare will undoubtedly be front-and-center issues.

Vancouver Police Chief Adam Palmer, speaking at the same press conference, highlighted the toll this "revolving door of justice" has taken on public safety.

While crime rates have generally been trending downward in Vancouver, Palmer cautioned that these statistics provide “cold comfort” to residents, particularly when repeat offenders with severe mental health issues are released on bail, only to commit further violent acts.

He stressed that a new approach is essential to protect both the public and individuals in severe mental health crises who may pose a risk to themselves and others.

“Police need the right tools to keep dangerous offenders off Vancouver’s streets. This includes meaningful bail reform and secure care for people suffering from significant mental health issues who pose a danger to the community. Stronger federal and provincial support is essential to protect our residents and uphold the safety of our city,” said  Palmer.

Beyond mental health and public safety, the coalition also addressed the growing concerns around the Metro Vancouver ports, which they say have become a conduit for illegal drugs and stolen vehicles.

Chief Palmer noted that without stronger federal policing at the ports, the flow of illicit goods into and out of the province would continue to fuel crime and exacerbate the public safety crisis.

“Everyone deserves parks, neighbourhoods, and streets where they feel safe. By offering compassionate support to those facing severe mental health challenges and ensuring repeat offenders don't threaten public safety, we can keep our shared spaces welcoming for all,” said Nicole MacDonald, Mayor of Pitt Meadows

“This is about doing what is right for our communities. We need action from the federal government that prioritizes public safety with a national strategy that also provides appropriate care and support to those who need it most,” said Brad West, Mayor of Port Coquitlam

“The status quo is simply not acceptable. We need more crown prosecutors and bail reform that keeps repeat offenders off our streets and protects our residents. We also need to do a better job triaging patients with severe mental health issues,” said Simon Yu, Mayor of Prince George.

For years, the City of Kelowna has been a vocal advocate for improved and better pathways to healthcare for individuals in crisis, including for compassionate mandatory care.

“By working together, with pace and purpose, I am confident that, together, we can build a system that prioritizes both public safety and compassionate, dignified care,” said Kelowna Mayor Tom Dyas.

“Our first responders have been on the front lines of this crisis since day one. We have seen firsthand how the current system is inadequate. These measures will not only help the most at-risk individuals in our city but will also support our firefighters by giving them the tools they need to serve Vancouverites,” said Karen Fry, Chief of Vancouver Fire and Rescue

“Securing our ports is not just a Vancouver issue, it’s a national issue. We need the federal government to take crime seriously and stop illicit substances from entering our province,” said Delta Mayor George Harvie.

“The safety of our communities, not just in British Columbia, but across Canada, is at stake. The federal government has a role to play in ensuring our communities are safe and those struggling with mental health and addictions are supported,” said Burnaby Mayor Mike Hurley.