A B.C. citizen's group gave the BC Liberals and the New Democratic Party “dismal” grades on their approaches to crime.
“Crime is a crucial issue right now,” said Keith Roy, spokesperson for Enough is Enough, in a press release. “Both parties had the opportunity to take a tough stance on crime with their platforms, but failed.”
The group went on to say, “both parties have expended some effort, but fail to put forth comprehensive plans to tackle the issue head on.”
Enough is Enough compiled two report cards evaluating both parties’ records and promises on crime.
The group then graded them giving the BC Libs a 'C+' and the NDP a 'D'.
According to the report card, the government’s move to hire 1100 new police officers was a good choice. But the elimination of 15 crown judges and a $5.5 million cut in the prosecution budget, along with the closing of 10 jails and 24 courthouses hurt the Liberals grade.
“[The Liberals] decision to cut prosecutors in the most recent budget show that they do not understand the crisis,” read the report.
The NDP scored more than a full grade lower than the Libs and lost marks because of its plan to hire 168 new officers which the report indicated is 900 short of what’s needed in the wider region.
The report recommends the police force in Vancouver should be the same as Montreal, which sits at roughly 188 police officers per 100,000 residents. Currently Vancouver is at 149.
The NDP’s grade also took a hit on promises to hire new prosecutors.
The report explained the NDP needs to increase the number of prosecutors instead of just replace those who were removed by the Liberal government.
“Both fall short on taking tough measures and giving our police and prosecutors the resources they need,” the press release read.
Enough is Enough said it will not endorse a single party, but evaluate each candidate individually on their platform on crime.
Morgan J. Modjeski reports for The Tyee
3
Login or register to post comments
gamedev
3 years ago
BS
What a pile of crap the "enough is enough" group is. To rate the BC Liberal government, responsible for causing the first police raid on the BC Legislature in history, during which the RCMP described organized crime infiltrating the highest levels, above the NDP is just rediculous. I guess we will find more BC Liberal ties to that group, the same as for some psuedo environmental groups.
What about Campbell and the Liberals being the ones in power during the entire rise of gangs in the lower mainland? That was almost certainly related to young people being cut off of welfare until they could prove they have been living on the streets for 2 years, that the Campbell Liberals imposed shortly after having been elected. Exactly what did they think a young person, living on the streets for 2 years, would turn out like?
What about the Campbell drinking and driving? Did that not affect the rating? What about the lying about the sale of BC Rail? I guess that doesn't affect the rating either. Its pretty obvious that the BC Liberals do whatever they think they can get away with, legal or not, but, somehow that translates to a higher rating than the NDP...I repeat, what a bunch of crap!
Skywalker
3 years ago
This is pretty lame
You compare a government which has had 8 years to govern with an opposition party with a platform in which some planks deal with crime and safety. Pretty lame analysis.
frenchy mcswede
3 years ago
Does anyone really
believe the liberals would follow through on 1100 new cops during a recession...?