Christine Boyle, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs, has issued the following statement on Larry Campbell’s work finding solutions for people in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside (DTES) neighbourhood:

“Over the past year, all levels of government, along with community members and front-line organizations, have been connected through Larry Campbell to find a way forward to bring meaningful change to Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside neighbourhood.

“Larry Campbell’s former and current on-the-ground experience has provided critical leadership and contributions to the cross-ministry work underway to address the complex and multifaceted challenges facing the Downtown Eastside.

“This includes identifying key components of community infrastructure that are successfully providing lifelines for the people in the DTES. For example, The Ashtrey Recovery Resource Centre was funded this year and has been delivering on-demand recovery-focused programming, as well as housing supports, washrooms, showers, laundry facilities and other critical community resources needed in the neighbourhood.

“Understanding what programs are working for the people who need them, and the ones that don’t, means interaction and collaboration with a wide range of community members and service providers throughout the neighbourhood.

“We are at a critical juncture on a number of initiatives. We must continue this positive forward momentum to bring lasting change to the DTES, as we continue to support vulnerable people all across Vancouver.

“That’s why I have asked Larry Campbell to continue this work and we will extend his contract for another six months. It is imperative that we carry through our collaborative discussions currently underway with our federal partners, the City of Vancouver and our many partners in the community.

“I want to thank Larry Campbell and others for their continued commitment to the DTES, and I look forward to sharing more about the work we are doing together in the months ahead.”

Larry Campbell has issued the following statement:

“From the beginning, I’ve wanted my work on the DTES to be about taking action. With the collaborative work underway right now, both within the provincial government and with our partners, we have the opportunity to make fundamental, transformative changes. This work will set the Downtown Eastside on a brighter path and support a healthier, safer community. I’m heartened by the progress being made and I’m committed to seeing this work through.”