For immediate release
January 10, 2024
VICTORIA, B.C. – In response to the City of Vancouver’s decampment of Oppenheimer Park, Sonia Furstenau, Leader of the BC Greens and MLA for Cowichan Valley has issued the following statement:
“The recent actions against Vancouver’s unhoused population, involving the confiscation of their belongings during a period of extreme cold, are deeply disturbing. At a time when basic necessities like tents and tarps are crucial for survival, forcing individuals to search for new shelter is not only inhumane but counterproductive. What purpose does this serve?
“The BC Greens strongly advocate for the establishment of permanent, year-round shelters and support the immediate implementation of a moratorium on encampment dismantlement during winter and cold snaps.
“The rise of encampments in British Columbia underscores a systemic failure in providing affordable housing. The government’s approach of clearing these sites often overlooks the individual needs of unhoused people. We need tailored solutions like Duncan’s village site model, which provides secure, personalized housing with essential services.
“I will continue to advocate for a compassionate and holistic approach. Permanent shelters are crucial, but they must be more than a roof over one’s head. They should provide access to essential services like healthcare, counseling, and job support. This is about tackling homelessness at its roots, offering meaningful and enduring support, not just temporary fixes.
“The BC Greens are committed to creating a future where every member of our community has the stability and support they need to thrive. It’s not just about responding to a crisis – it’s about building a more compassionate and inclusive society.”
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Media contact
JoJo Beattie
Press Secretary
B.C. Green Caucus
+1 250-882-6187 | jojo.beattie@leg.bc.ca