FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Prince George, B.C. – The City of Prince George is grateful for the province’s announcement to create a new specialized policing unit, the North District Uniform Gang Enforcement Team, to target organized crime in northern B.C. The announcement came after successful meetings at City Hall with the B.C. Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, Nina Krieger, and North District RCMP superintendent, Ken Floyd, on December 16.
In attendance were Mayor and Council and City staff (including representatives from Prince George Fire Rescue and bylaw services), Regional District of Fraser-Fort George, the Prince George Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Prince George, local service agencies and business owners.
Minister Krieger heard public safety concerns from community members and ideas to consider. Through the conversation requests for more information about the secure care facility planned for Prince George, more support for businesses impacted by vandalism, resources to offer year-round drop-in spaces for vulnerable residents, and continued support advocating to the federal government to address prolific property-related and non-violent crimes were raised.
“We met with Minister Krieger to share community concerns and continue advocating for solutions to the issues Prince George is facing. We know that our advocacy is working thanks to Council’s ongoing effort to build relationships and collaborate with all levels of government,” said Mayor Simon Yu, “the new unit dedicated to organized crime prevention is another step in the right direction to improve the safety of our community.”
“We are grateful for the province’s long-term commitment to public safety in Prince George and across the north,” said City manager, Walter Babicz, “having so many organizations represented at the table, all focused on improving the quality of life for people in Prince George, was invaluable. Public safety is among the City’s top priorities, and we will continue working together with local partners and government representatives to achieve a safer community.”
As the year comes to an end, the City looks forward to submitting a petition to the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada. The petition, which was approved by Council at the December 15 meeting, advocates for amendments to the Criminal Code of Canada, appointment of more judges and prosecutors to end court backlogs, additional funding and resources for Crown Counsel to increase capacity and decrease delays, additional funding and resources for provincial correctional centres and support services to increase capacity for detention of individuals, as well as providing rehabilitation and release planning services. A minimum of 500 signatures is required to allow a Member of Parliament to present it in the House of Commons. More details will be provided to residents when the petition is ready for signatures.
-30-
Media contact:
Kendall Robertson, senior communications advisor
Mobile: 778-349-5393
Email: media@princegeorge.ca