Skip to main content

“I am a Canadian, free to speak without fear, free to worship in my own way, free to stand for what I think right, free to oppose what I believe wrong, or free to choose those who shall govern my country. This heritage of freedom I pledge to uphold for myself and all mankind.” ~~ John G. Diefenbaker

CrossRoads Brewing Fire Shows the Cost of NDP’s Catch-and-Release Justice

Conservative Caucus of BC MLAs say the destruction of CrossRoads Brewing is a tragic example of repeat offenders devastating communities, small businesses, and local economies.


“This wasn’t just a fire, it was the loss of a community hub, dozens of jobs, and years of investment,” said Rosalyn Bird, MLA for Prince George–Valemount and Critic for Citizens’ Services. 

“The accused has made at least 19 court appearances since 2021, and was even convicted of sexual assault back in 2009. Small businesses are telling me they’re ready to shut down and leave Prince George because crime is out of control. That is a tragedy for families, workers, and our economy.”

Bird added: “CrossRoads was exactly the kind of business BC needs more of - building community, creating jobs, and drawing people downtown. Just last Thursday, we heard directly from Craft Brewers and distilleries in Prince George about how rising taxes are making it harder to hire and keep staff, and that evening Prince George MLAs hosted a town hall for businesses on public safety where crime was top of mind. 

“Less than 24 hours later, CrossRoads burned to the ground. Instead of supporting entrepreneurs, the NDP’s soft-on-crime policies are driving them out.”

Elenore Sturko, MLA for Surrey–Cloverdale and Critic for Solicitor General and Public Safety, said the case highlights the danger of repeat offenders. “This is what happens when prolific offenders are cycled in and out of the system with no real consequences,” said Sturko. 

“British Columbians see it every day, the same names, the same crimes, and the same revolving door under this NDP government.”

Sturko added the problem isn’t limited to Prince George. “A survey by the Business Improvement Areas of BC found 67 per cent of businesses have seen more street disorder in the past year, and nearly one in five say they may not survive another year if conditions don’t improve,” she said. 

“The NDP’s catch-and-release approach and failed drug policies have fueled this crisis. Prolific offenders keep cycling through the system while business owners, staff, and customers pay the price. Whether it’s shoplifting in Vancouver, vandalism in Kelowna, or arson in Prince George, business owners and staff are telling us the same thing, they don’t feel safe. Communities are losing hope,” said Bird. 

“We will continue fighting for a justice system that delivers real consequences for repeat offenders and puts victims and communities first,” said Sturko.


 

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Abbotsford-Mission MLA Reann Gasper to step down for Conservative Leader Hon. Kerry-Lynne Findlay to run in a by-election

Deputy Whip and MLA Reann Gasper has informed the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia of her decision to step down as MLA for Abbotsford-Mission, creating an opportunity for Conservative Party of British Columbia Leader Hon. Kerry-Lynne Findlay to seek the seat in a forthcoming by-election. Gasper said the decision was made carefully and deliberately, with the future of British Columbia firmly in mind. Abbotsford-Mission MLA Reann Gasper “This is a decision I have made after a great deal of careful consideration, and I believe it is the right decision for me, for our Party, and for the work ahead,” said MLA Gasper. “It has been a privilege to represent the people of Abbotsford-Mission, and I am deeply grateful to everyone who placed their trust in me. I am also grateful for the opportunity to serve alongside my colleagues in the Conservative Caucus and to contribute to our leadership team.” “I have confidence in Kerry-Lynne, in her leadership, and in her ability to ...
Post a Comment
Read more

NDP Sits on $61 Million With No Start Date for Burnaby Hospital

Phase 2 of Burnaby Hospital redevelopment  was green lit to go ahead in September 2023 The NDP spent $45 million on the Burnaby Hospital redevelopment, cancelled the second phase, and now has another $61 million listed for the project in the province’s Public Accounts, with no start date for construction. If the NDP cancelled the project, what is happening to the $61 million set aside for it? The Phase 2 project was expected to cost between $1.7 billion and $1.8 billion and was intended to expand the hospital’s capacity. With Burnaby’s population growing and residents struggling to access healthcare, the government should be investing in healthcare capacity, not leaving millions of dollars tied up in limbo. “The NDP spent $45 million on this project before cancelling it, and now $61 million remains listed for it in the Public Accounts,” said MLA Misty Van Popta, Shadow Minister for Infrastructure. “If the government isn’t going to build the hospital expansion, it should explain whe...
Post a Comment
Read more

BC Conservatives Point to Warning Signs in BC’s Economy

While Canada posted modest job gains in July, warning lights are still flashing in British Columbia. Youth unemployment remains stubbornly high, leaving too many first-time jobseekers shut out of the workforce. BC also lost 3,400 public administration jobs in July, likely as temporary Census positions ended. “BC's jobs divide remains stark. Unemployment is far higher in business-driven communities like Kelowna (9.3%) and Abbotsford-Mission (8.3%) than in Victoria (5.0%). Government should be focused on creating the conditions for private-sector investment and job growth,” said Gavin Dew, MLA for Kelowna-Mission and Shadow Minister for Economic Development. “We need an economy where young people can find work, businesses can hire, and every region has the opportunity to prosper.” This comes as BC faces five straight quarters where more businesses are closing than opening, an NDP cabinet rift over job-creating projects like Tilbury LNG, and fresh signs that even the province's to...
Post a Comment
Read more

Labels

Show more