“I think crime is crime, and I’m really sick of these losers causing crime in our community, and that’s what they are. They’re a bunch of losers, and they don’t deserve to have any empathy or sympathy given towards them. I hope that we can push the full force of the law on each and every one who commits a crime in Prince George and make them feel as unwelcome as possible.”
That was a comment made back on February 7th by Prince George City Councillor Kyle Sampson after a presentation by Superintendent Shaun Wright on the RCMP’s Year in Review.
Fast forward to Monday’s City Council meeting, where Sampson took a moment near the end of the meeting to provide an apology on his comments.
“The reactions and response I received to my comments have been difficult, but necessary for me to hear.”
“I’ve taken some time to reflect, to talk to friends, to talk to community members, to talk to some of you, and to think about what I intended to say, and how I did a poor job in doing so,” added Sampson.
He said he wanted to address the increase of crime across the city, and not just downtown.
“It’s unfair to associate crime, or increased crime rates with downtown, and those who are vulnerable, de-housed, or struggling with poverty and living with mental health disorders.”
Sampson said he recognized how the use of his language, and how he simplified a complex topic could be seen as targeting Prince George’s vulnerable population.
He added that those comments were made out of frustration, noting that increased crime effects everyone in the city, and referred to the Maclean’s rankings.
“Many people in PG will remember the days of the Maclean’s rankings, when PG was ranked number one for crime in our city. This was seen by prospective students or community members, prospective investors and entrepreneurs.”
Sampson said he’s been an advocate for initiatives like the Car 60 program, and wants to dedicate more programs to the rebuilding of our community.
“Again, I sincerely apologize to those who felt marginalized or hurt by my comments. I hope now, after taking some time to reflect, and time to chat with folks who are passionate, educated, and are working in some of these fields, that now I have a better opportunity, and have better conveyed my thoughts and intentions.”
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