Chamber joins effort to improve safe communities

The Chamber has joined the Save Our Streets coalition that is raising awareness about the impact public disorder is having on communities across the province.

The coalition wants all levels of government to do better at addressing issues of addiction, homelessness and criminal behaviour that have become increasingly visible in BC’s downtowns.

Chamber CEO Bruce Williams spoke with CBC Radio this week about what he’s hearing from members as well as chambers across Canada. Governments are working on changing the legal system to keep repeat offenders off the street, but the process takes time. There also needs to be a more collaborative approach between all levels of government.

“Business people are compassionate and care deeply about their communities, but there is growing frustration with seeing so many people in open distress,” Williams said. “We all want to help and we need better solutions than those that aren’t working.”