FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
John Rustad Announces Plan to End Tent Cities Across British Columbia
“Tent cities are a symptom of government failure. A Conservative government will end them once and for all, restore order, and bring safety back to our streets.” — John Rustad, Leader of the Conservative Party of British Columbia
October 5th, Kelowna, BC: John Rustad, Leader of the Conservative Party of British Columbia, announced today his unwavering commitment to end all tent cities across the province. Rustad laid out his plan to restore order, safety, and dignity to communities that have been overrun by these dangerous encampments under David Eby’s NDP government.
“Enough is enough,” said Rustad. “Tent cities have turned our streets and public spaces into unsafe, chaotic zones where crime flourishes, and law-abiding British Columbians no longer feel safe. A Conservative government will take action to end tent cities once and for all. We will not let this continue.”
A Clear Path to Clean Up Our Streets
Rustad outlined a comprehensive plan to permanently eliminate tent cities by focusing on safe housing solutions, enforcing the rule of law, and introducing new measures for compassionate intervention:
- End Tent Cities Once and For All: Under a Conservative government, no tent city will be allowed to stand. Illegal encampments will be cleared, and those living in them will be provided with safe, supportive housing.
- Housing with Community Safety in Mind: Supportive housing will be completely dry and will operate under a zero-tolerance policy for drug use. Additionally, it will be established in locations and under conditions that protect the safety and character of communities. “We will never force dangerous or disruptive facilities into residential neighborhoods, as the NDP has done,” Rustad said. “Our housing plan will ensure that supportive services meet the needs of individuals without compromising the safety or integrity of surrounding communities.”
- Compassionate Intervention Legislation: The Conservative Party will introduce laws to allow involuntary treatment for those at serious risk due to addiction, including youth and adults. “This is about keeping the most vulnerable safe,” Rustad emphasized.
- Building Low Secure Units: Creating secure facilities designed for the treatment of individuals who pose a risk to themselves or others, ensuring they receive proper care in a safe environment.
- Crisis Response and Stabilization Units: Establishing units to provide targeted care for those experiencing severe addiction or mental health crises, reducing pressure on emergency rooms and providing better outcomes for those in need.
- Law and Order: The Conservative Party will ensure strict enforcement of public safety laws to clear illegal encampments and keep public spaces safe. Law enforcement will be given the tools needed to remove these encampments and restore order.
Rejecting Eby’s Free Drug Policies
Rustad condemned David Eby’s approach of handing out free hard drugs and crack pipes, arguing that these policies have fueled addiction and worsened the tent city crisis.
“Eby’s approach has been a disaster,” said Rustad. “Instead of addressing addiction with treatment and support, he’s been handing out free hard drugs and watching as tent cities spread across the province. A Conservative government will end this reckless policy and bring real solutions.”
Restoring Public Spaces to Communities
Rustad emphasized the need to return public spaces to communities. “Parks, streets, and neighborhoods should belong to families and residents—not to crime-ridden encampments,” he said. “We will clean up these spaces, restore order, and ensure they are safe for everyone.”
A Fresh Start for British Columbia
Rustad closed by promising a fresh start for British Columbia under a Conservative government.
“British Columbians deserve better than what the Eby NDP is offering. We will end the tent city crisis, restore safety, and bring dignity back to those who need help. It’s time to clean up our streets and give people their communities back,” Rustad concluded.
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For more information, please contact [email protected].
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