NDP Leader David Eby has been pressured into taking progressively tougher positions on the issues over the past few years.
B.C. Conservative Leader John Rustad fell back on the tried-and-true issue of crime and punishment Monday, with promises flowing from earlier success that opposition critics had in attacking the government on that front.
One specific issue is the “catch and release” approach to criminal justice, a phrase heard repeatedly in the legislature after then-Opposition leader Kevin Falcon started flaying the NDP government with it. Rustad said Conservatives will hire more sheriffs and judges to clear the massive court backlog. The NDP hiked the hiring of sheriffs earlier this year. There have been no reports yet of a drop in the backlog as a result.
There is already a community court model that handles “minor” cases, mostly with a view to diverting offenders into help. The only way to try a case within a week of an arrest is to remove lawyers from the process. Rustad on the weekend also promised to end tent cities “once and for all.” His plan involves supportive housing with zero tolerance for drugs or alcohol. They will only be built where the safety and character of communities can be protected.He committed as well to “compassionate intervention” legislation, to allow for involuntary treatment for those most at risk.
That moved him — after four years as attorney general — to recognize it as an issue. His first major announcement after being sworn in as premier was a big new law-and-order initiative, with funding for hundreds more police. The tone was not unlike Rustad’s this week.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Les Leyne: B.C. Conservatives and B.C. NDP not that far apart on law and orderNDP Leader David Eby has been pressured into taking progressively tougher positions on the issues over the past few years.
Read more »
Les Leyne: B.C. Conservatives and B.C. NDP not that far apart on law and orderNDP Leader David Eby has been pressured into taking progressively tougher positions on the issues over the past few years.
Read more »
Les Leyne: B.C. Conservatives' biggest supporter provided ammo to the NDPMuch of the B.C. NDP’s ammunition for attacking the B.C. Conservatives comes from BC United
Read more »
Les Leyne: B.C. Conservatives' biggest supporter provided ammo to the NDPMuch of the B.C. NDP’s ammunition for attacking the B.C. Conservatives comes from BC United
Read more »
Les Leyne: Eby hones attacks on B.C. Conservatives in front of municipal leadersPremier spoke at Union of B.C. Municipalities annual meeting in Vancouver
Read more »
Les Leyne: Eby hones attacks on B.C. Conservatives in front of municipal leadersPremier spoke at Union of B.C. Municipalities annual meeting in Vancouver
Read more »