Premier David Eby has issued the following statement on International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women:

The Province is introducing proposed amendments to the Mental Health Act to strengthen and protect mental-health care in B.C. and improve supports for people who suffer from severe, overlapping mental-health and substance-use challenges.

More shelter spaces are available this winter than previous seasons, providing people experiencing homelessness in British Columbia with life-saving access to additional warm, safe indoor spaces as colder weather arrives.

More police officers will be trained at the Justice Institute of British Columbia’s (JIBC) police academy with a 50% expansion of seats, supporting local police recruitment and building safe communities.

The Province has appointed Larry Campbell to convene and co-ordinate partners in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside (DTES) with the aim of improving the quality of life for all people who live and work in the neighbourhood. 

More local governments will receive support to help them break down barriers and create more efficient approvals processes that will help B.C. to deliver more homes quicker.