SURREY – Just hours after Premier Christy Clark made a anti-gang funding announcement in Surrey, the RCMP were busy investigating another night-time shooting in the city.
According to police, they received several calls at about 10:25 p.m. on Tuesday with witnesses reporting gunshots in the area of 88th Ave. and 134B St. in Surrey.
After surveying the scene, RCMP said they found evidence consistent with shots being fired but no damage was done to the property or any individuals.
Earlier that same day, Clark promised a $270,000 funding boost to the Surrey Wraparound Program and its youth gang intervention program.
NDP justice critic Mike Farnworth scoffed at the request, however, arguing if the province were serious about tackling Surrey’s escalating violence problem it would ensure every student on the waitlist is admitted.
“The idea that you couldn’t have funded for $250,000 more a program that would help 40 kids who are right now on a track to lead a gang lifestyle, I think is really unfortunate,” Farnworth said. “Instead we’re left with 20 kids are going to get to go in the program and 20 kids aren’t.”
Both Clark and Surrey Mayor Linda Hepner also asked for the federal government to approve a request for 130 additional officers for the city to help crack down on violence in the city.
“That number will allow us to build on our Youth Unit, and particularly at times when children are more vulnerable, after school hours and before supper time,” Hepner said.
“The federal government has an obligation here – why bother having a Minister for Public Safety if they have no intention of prioritizing public safety?” asked NDP MP Jinny Sims (Newton—North Delta). “People are scared and the community is devastated.”
Sims is demanding the Conservatives step up and provide the assistance the city and province are requesting.
“I’ve asked for more police on our streets. I’ve asked for more accessible gang-prevention and drug-crime prevention funding. The Conservatives have done nothing,” said Sims. “24 shootings later, I’m wondering if any of them are listening now: where is the federal leadership here?”
Surrey RCMP Chief Supt. Bill Fordy said the Wraparound program is an important part of law enforcement’s efforts to curb ongoing violence in the city, which has a heavy focus on community intervention.
Young people can easily be lured into the false promises of a gang lifestyle, Fordy said, but the program helps them “make more informed, sound, brave, life-changing decisions” and foster better relationships with their family, friends, and the community at large.
Since the Wraparound program was launched in 2008, it’s taken in around 500 at-risk students.
