File Photo (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By Michael Reeve

BC ELECTION 2024

ELECTION ISSUES: Kamloops candidates address plans for public safety challenges

Oct 18, 2024 | 5:30 PM

KAMLOOPS — If Saturday’s vote could be boiled down to a single issue election, that issue would likely be public safety. From open drug and alcohol use, to small businesses facing theft and vandalism, the issues around crime and safety are forefront on almost everyone’s minds as they head to the polls to cast their ballots. Both the Conservatives and NDP have announced some form of involuntary care for those living with severe mental health and addiction problems, but what effect that will have on day-to-day life is unclear.

In Kamloops, local businesses reported nearly $1 million in losses due to crime in 2024, almost a quarter-million-dollar increase over the year prior. in addition, 71 per cent of Kamloops businesses reported they had put in new security measures.

“This catch-and-release system where even violent prolific offenders are repeatedly being released out very quickly after they are first getting arrested,” said BC Conservative candidate for Kamloops Centre, Peter Milobar. “We need to make sure those people are being held better to account and that the Crown prosecution service is actually being directed to seek stiffer penalties.”

‘Catch and release’ has become a token phrase for opposition in B.C. attempting to poke holes in the NDP government’s record. Kamal Grewal addressed work with the federal government in righting the ship.

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“I think it’s important to provide our police with tools to enforce laws that are in place,” said Grewal, running in Kamloops Centre. “As well, the BC NDP has been working with Ottawa on bail reform.”

Policing in B.C. is currently made up of RCMP detachments and local municipal forces. The Green Party would like to see that change with the creation of a provincial police force.

“We believe that if we have more police living in our communities, living in our province for the duration of their careers, people will take more ownership of their communities. It will take less time for a peace officer to familiarize themselves with the community,” said Tristan Cavers, BC Green candidate in Kamloops-North Thompson.

While petty theft, vandalism and street issues may be more in focus for residents, ties to organized crime are deep across British Columbia.

“If we are able to address homelessness, if we are able to address addicted folks, these are the initial prey for organized crime. Organized crime has benefited hugely from prohibition,” added Cavers.

The NDP are showcasing the difference between themselves and John Rustad’s Conservatives. The leader has made comments about not enforcing federal gun laws.

“Enforcing the gun laws so we are tackling the root cause of the issue here,” said Grewal. “We are going after gangs, we are going after organized crime, we are going after the people who are part of some of the trouble that we are seeing and flooding our streets with a toxic drug supply. And keeping our ports safe.”

Milobar focused on increasing police presence in the province’s ports, while also addressing those being drawn into crime.

“You have the people who are being preyed upon on our streets — not only do they need proper and adequate housing, they also need access to treatment,” said Milobar. “And then we need to be really tough on going after the predators who are going into those environments and really preying upon people in there most vulnerable states. All those put together, you would start to see a dramatic shift in what we are seeing at the street level.”

Polls are open on Saturday (Oct. 19) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. for those looking to cast a ballot.

CFJC will also have election coverage focusing on both Kamloops ridings, as well as the Cariboo-Chilcotin, Fraser-Nicola and Salmon Arm-Shuswap on Saturday night, beginning at 11:00 p.m.

Previous election issue stories were Tuesday’s story on health care challenges, Wednesday’s piece on housing and affordability and Thursday’s article on the environment.