New Democrats Welcome B.C. Liberal MLA’s Support For Community Safety Proposal
VANCOUVER – B.C. Liberal MLA Marc Dalton’s support for community safety legislation proposed by the New Democrats is welcome news, MLAs Bruce Ralston and Michael Sather said today.
“I welcome the news that Marc Dalton, Liberal MLA for Maple Ridge-Mission wants 
Bruce Ralstonlegislation like the Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods Act I tabled this March to be reviewed and passed into law,” said Ralston.
Michael Sather, MLA for Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows, noted that Dalton spoke in favour of the New Democrats’ proposal during a community meeting held in Maple Ridge on Monday. Sather and Dalton both were guests at a meeting organized by the Maple Ridge Coalition of Concerned Citizens.
“Mr. Dalton told residents that he will take our bill forward to the Solicitor General and Attorney General,” said Sather. “We would be pleased to work with Mr. Dalton on re-introducing this bill in the legislature.”
Michael SatherRalston’s SCAN legislation sets up a director to receive confidential complaints from residents about illegal activities in their neighbhourhoods. In cases where illegal activities are confirmed, the director can pursue a variety of actions ranging from working with landlords to resolve the problem to court action if necessary.
Manitoba, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland have all made similar legislation a key part of their strategies to improve community safety.
Ralston noted that many municipalities across BC are calling on the provincial government to pass SCAN legislation, including Surrey-Whalley, Dawson Creek, Creston, Greenwood, and Port Alberni. At this week’s Union of B.C. Municipalities convention, the Association of Vancouver Island and Coastal Communities has endorsed a resolution put forth by Courtenay calling for the B.C. Liberal government to pass SCAN legislation.
