The BC Liberal Caucus hosted a roundtable on the impacts of crime and its underlying causes on communities across the province.
It was during the Union of BC Municipalities Convention and involved dozens of municipal leaders.
Shirley Bond is the Interim leader of the Opposition and the MLA for Prince George-Valemount.
“There is no doubt that the past year has been challenging for communities right across the province. As social services are under more strain than ever, many municipalities also saw rising crime rates and everyone is grappling with the issues of mental health, addictions and homelessness.”
Bond added that BC has been impacted by not one, but two deadly public health emergencies.
“It’s vital that all levels of government have the resources they need to address these critical issues.”
Bond called the conversation constructive.
She added that it is evident that part of the solution will require the Provincial Government to provide greater investment in addiction and mental health resources, policing and supportive housing, and that the response should be in partnership with local governments.