Conservative MLA Gavin Dew (Kelowna–Mission), Opposition Critic for Jobs, Economic Development, and Innovation, says small businesses across British Columbia are being abandoned by the NDP government in the face of rising vandalism, violence, and street disorder.
A new survey from the Business Improvement Areas of BC (BIABC) found:
67% of downtown businesses report street disorder has worsened in the past year, fueled by drugs, mental health crises, and homelessness.
74% of business owners say staff fear and anxiety have increased.
61% face rising operating costs linked to crime and vandalism.
Nearly 1 in 5 businesses warn they may not survive another year if conditions do not improve.
“Small
businesses have been left to fend for themselves,” said Dew.
“Every day
brings another story of property crime, open drug use, violence, or
even a body found outside a storefront. The NDP’s failed policies are
making the situation worse.":
Drug decriminalization without recovery supports;
A refusal to invest in addiction treatment and recovery;
A revolving-door justice system that fails to deal with prolific offenders.
Dew
said the impact extends far beyond storefronts, warning that
rock-bottom business confidence and the highest youth unemployment since
the NDP ’90s are signs of deeper economic failure.
“These
are heartbreaking and frustrating issues, but talk isn’t enough. We
need action - real investments and policy changes that tackle the root
causes of mental health, addiction, and homelessness,” Dew added.
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