National

B.C. promises $3M to expand program that partners cops with health-care providers

Darpan News Desk IANS, 17 Jul, 2023 12:33 PM

British Columbia is spending $3 million to expand a program that partners health-care workers with police to respond to mental-health-related calls.

Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth says the program aim is to connect people in crisis to the appropriate services in their community and take pressure off stretched police resources.

Our government is taking action on the biggest challenges we face to keep people and communities healthy and thriving. pic.twitter.com/oYbhtyOlPy
— Mike Farnworth (@mikefarnworthbc) July 17, 2023

New teams are being funded for Abbotsford, Port Coquitlam/Coquitlam, Burnaby, Chilliwack, Penticton, Vernon, Squamish, Prince Rupert and the Westshore on southern Vancouver Island.

Similar programs already exist in 10 B.C. communities including Kamloops, Victoria, Surrey and Vancouver.

The government says one in five interactions with police in B.C. involve someone with a mental-health disorder.

Minister of Mental Health and Addiction Jennifer Whiteside did not provide a specific timeline for when the new programs would be running, but says she anticipates them in “fairly short order.”

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

David Johnston is foreign interference rapporteur

Johnston has been asked to look into allegations of foreign meddling in Canada's last two federal elections and recommend what the Liberal government should do about it. That could include a public inquiry, which opposition parties have been calling for, or some other form of investigation.

David Johnston is foreign interference rapporteur

Suspect on the Loose in West Vancouver Armed Robbery

The suspect entered the gas station, produced a handgun, pointed the handgun at the cashier and demanded money. The suspect obtained an undisclosed amount of cash from the cash register before fleeing on foot.

Suspect on the Loose in West Vancouver Armed Robbery

Abbotsford Police car targeted and shot at with a pellet gun

As officers approached the group in their unmarked police vehicle, a female emerged from the group and pointed a firearm toward the officer's vehicle and fired, striking the police vehicle's windshield, and causing minor damage.

Abbotsford Police car targeted and shot at with a pellet gun

Collision in New Westminster leaves one dead

The collision has caused a local power outage and city crews have been on scene. If motorists encounter an intersection with no power, they are asked to treat the intersection as a four way stop.

Collision in New Westminster leaves one dead

Vancouver Folk Festival will return for 2023

A statement on the festival's website says it will be held July 14 to 16 at its usual location in Vancouver's Jericho Beach Park. Last year's scaled back festival will be used as a template to plan this year's program, with fewer stages and amenities than were offered before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Vancouver Folk Festival will return for 2023

Burnaby RCMP investigation leads to major drug bust at a home close to a school and a daycare

Two magazines seized from this residence had the capacity to hold 27 and 50 rounds. Along with the drugs and weapons, around $10,000 in cash, a large amount of drug packaging, equipment for re-pressing drugs and two vehicles were seized.