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B.C.’s expanded chronic offender initiative welcomed but concerns raised
🇨🇦 Canada /Crime & Justice

B.C.’s expanded chronic offender initiative welcomed but concerns raised

From Global News · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • British Columbia is launching a new initiative to combat chronic property crime and public disorder, establishing regional hubs to monitor high-risk individuals.
  • The $16 million 'Chronic Property Offending Intervention Initiative' (C-POII) aims to connect individuals with services like housing, mental health support, and addiction treatment.
  • Local business leaders and prosecutors express cautious support but call for more resources and specific measures like involuntary care facilities, while also raising concerns about tax implications on private security services.

British Columbia is rolling out a new provincial initiative designed to tackle chronic property crime and public disorder, establishing regional hubs across the province to monitor high-risk individuals. The initiative, named the 'Chronic Property Offending Intervention Initiative' (C-POII), will include a hub in Kelowna and aims to monitor up to 420 individuals.

This approach ensures that the people who pose the greatest risk are held accountable while also addressing the underlying factors that led them to a life of crime.

— Nina KriegerB.C. public safety minister and solicitor general, announcing the new program.

The $16 million program seeks to hold high-risk individuals accountable while addressing underlying issues such as housing needs, mental health challenges, and addiction. "This approach ensures that the people who pose the greatest risk are held accountable while also addressing the underlying factors that led them to a life of crime," said Nina Krieger, B.C. public safety minister and solicitor general.

The city has been advocating for a facility that’s currently underutilized in Osoyoos for involuntary treatment and long-term care…having these people in these facilities is helping them. It’s compassionate care.

— George GreenwoodCEO of the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce, expressing disappointment over the lack of an involuntary care facility.

However, the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce has voiced concerns, expressing disappointment that an involuntary care facility was not included in the plan. George Greenwood, the chamber's CEO, stated that available treatment options are not effective as individuals cycle in and out of services. The chamber also raised objections to the upcoming PST expansion, which will tax private security services, calling it a contradiction given the need for businesses to protect themselves.

The treatment that is available, it’s not working, because people just get in and out.

— George GreenwoodCEO of the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce, criticizing the effectiveness of current treatment options.

The B.C. Crown Counsel Association shares some concerns, highlighting that prosecutors, who are integral to the hub system, are already in short supply in the region. The association noted that Kelowna alone requires five to seven additional prosecutors. While the Ministry of Finance acknowledged the pressures crime places on businesses, it defended the PST expansion as a measure to better reflect the economy and ensure sustainable funding for essential services.

It’s a contradiction, to be honest.

— George GreenwoodCEO of the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce, describing the PST expansion taxing private security services.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Global News. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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