Attorney General Wally Oppal described crime in British Columbia as “out of control” as he and Solicitor General John van Dongen prepared to leave today for meetings in Ottawa.
The visit to Canada's capital comes on a day when Prime Minister Stephen Harper is coming to Vancouver to announce new anti-gang crime measures.
Oppal said that besides Conservative ministers, he and van Dongen will meet with members of the Bloc Quebecois, Liberal and NDP parties.
“We're going to tell them that our public here is fed up with gang violence, that crime has really been out of control,” he said. Several recent shootings have particularly concerned the public, he said.
“This is an urgent matter. They have to set aside their political differences and work towards the public good.”
Both the NDP and Liberal parties have responded to public fear and anxiety by talking tough on crime.
Andrew MacLeod is The Tyee’s Legislative Bureau Chief in Victoria. Reach him here.


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Van Isle
3 years ago
Hey Wally while you've got
Hey Wally while you've got the S G's attention, why don't you update him about how nothing has really happened concerning the 'legislature raid'. And to really emphasis the point tell him how outraged you are that the raid happened over 5 years ago.
Dan the socialist
3 years ago
Tougher laws never work. If
Tougher laws never work. If they did the US would be the safest country on the planet. The death penalty for murder and long prison sentences for drugs is not a deterrent.
What stopped the mob and gang violence when liquor was prohibited? Prohibition was ended and the same needs to be done for drugs.
Governments in the US and Canada have spent billions upon billions to fight a 'war on drugs' and what a waste of money that has turned out to be.
sunshine coast girl
3 years ago
What? You just noticed Wally?
You guys haven't done a damn thing for the past 8 years. Why now? Duh....
JStog
3 years ago
Crime is controlled from the top down
Crime is a Growth industry. Not just for criminals but law enforcement as well.
900 million dollars for 2 weeks of 2010 security. Someones making a mountain of money.
Crime is not out of control. Its controlled from the top down.
We need a "one strike and your out law" for
beauraucratsandelected officials. If you break the law (public trust)or (oath of office) your out for life.