B.C. mayors, officials issue urgent call to action on bail reform, public safety [Video]

A coalition of B.C. mayors and other elected officials is calling for urgent action from the province and federal government to combat issues of public safety, mental health and addictions.

The coalition’s urgent call to action includes bail reform for repeat offenders, funding for mandatory care for individuals with severe mental health and addiction challenges, as well as increased policing at Metro Vancouver ports to prevent illicit substances from coming in.

The coalition says these measures are an attempt to improve public safety.

“Our top priority is the safety and well-being of every Vancouverite and British Columbian,” said Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim. “We can no longer accept the status quo when the current system is broken. Vancouver, and other towns and cities across this province and country, deserve to be places where people are safe and supported and where families can thrive. The time for action is now.”

Sim said the announcement by Premier David Eby for increased mental …