Abbotsford MLA calls for end to violent, dangerous encampments along Highway 1

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Banman says in light of these two dangerous incidents, enough is enough.

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“As violent crime and homelessness become business as usual in British Columbia, this government is failing the public by not letting police fight crime and keep people safe,” Banman said.

In Question Period yesterday, Banman, the Opposition Critic for Government Accountability and Emerging Issues, demanded that the government take action to end the dangerous and illegal encampments on Ministry of Transportation land along Highway 1.

“Danger is increasing every day for people living in these encampments and the surrounding community while police are directed not to enforce no-camping bylaws,” Banman said. “Homeless encampments are not a solution to the housing crisis. They create safety, fire, and sanitation concerns, placing added pressure on municipal and emergency services. Jurisdictional boundaries continue to restrict police and the city’s ability to address the most hazardous sites, like the Peardonville homeless encampment on Ministry of Transportation lands.

Banman referenced the most recent incident in which a 47-year-old man was murdered at the Peardonville homeless encampment and the unauthorized cabin he built two years ago was set on fire to cover up his murder.

Banman said in the House yesterday, “This murder was preventable. All of these vulnerable people in encampments have fallen through the cracks, and this government has failed to protect yet another. The issues around these encampments have been occurring for years under the government’s watch, and they have failed to do enough to create housing for the homeless and empower police to prevent crime.”

He says the government hasn’t provided a portable toilet for encampment residents

“Where do they think these people are defecating? The NDP is turning beautiful BC into a toilet,” Banman said. “Our caucus and the public are finally saying enough is enough. It is time for this government to get rid of these dangerous encampments and bring safety and order back to our communities.”