"Food banks and community kitchens are more than just a place to eat—they are a crucial part of the wrap-around services needed to lift people out of poverty and give them hope. These centers cannot and should not be abandoned." - John Rustad, Leader of the Conservative Party of British Columbia
October 12th Vancouver, BC – John Rustad, Leader of the Conservative Party of British Columbia, today voiced serious concerns about the growing crisis in food banks and community kitchens across the province, calling out Premier David Eby and the NDP government for their failure to provide the reliable support these essential services desperately need.
"Food banks and community kitchens play a critical role in supporting vulnerable British Columbians, yet they are facing unprecedented financial strain. The NDP government has neglected these vital services, leaving them at the brink of collapse," said Rustad. "The recent public plea from the Surrey Urban Mission, announcing impending layoffs and potential closure by December 12th if funding is not secured, is a direct consequence of this government’s failure."
The Surrey Urban Mission only needs $10 per day per person to maintain their operations. Without this funding, they will be forced to close their doors before the end of the year, leaving countless people without access to one of the only lifelines available to them.
Support for Those in Need
In contrast to the NDP’s inaction, the Conservatives are committed to ensuring that no food bank or community kitchen will have to shut down. Rustad promised that, under his leadership, reliable, ongoing funding would be secured to keep these vital services operating, and he emphasized the need for support for Community Connections Workers, who provide critical on-the-ground assistance to those in need.
"We will not allow these essential services to fail. The Conservatives are committed to delivering the financial support required to ensure food banks and community kitchens across the province can continue their invaluable work, and we will provide the stable, ongoing funding needed to keep them running," Rustad stated.
The Conservatives are calling for an immediate increase in funding for food security programs across the province, including an urgent intervention to prevent the Surrey Urban Mission from closing its doors.
"We cannot afford to leave British Columbians behind. It is time for a government that puts the needs of its people first," Rustad concluded.
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For more information, please contact [email protected].
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