The City of Prince George released a couple of statements today (Thursday) apologizing for the impact it had on trying to remove the homeless encampment at Lower Patricia Boulevard.
BC Assembly of First Nations (BCAFN) Regional Chief Terry Teegee said that this was a good sign, and hopes there is more discussion on the matter.
“It’s a positive step for withdrawing the appeal on the destruction of Moccasin Flats and Lower Patricia Boulevard.”
“We believe and we know that there is a better way to deal with the homelessness issue. So hopefully that opens the opportunities to discuss what can be done for the homeless that were housed, and had shelter down in Lower Patricia Boulevard, also known as Moccasin Flats,” added Teegee.
Teegee and Dr. Joe Hermer, an expert on Law, Criminology, and Homelessness, released two studies on the impacts of the Safe Streets Bylaw in Prince George, and Teegee offered his assistance to call for the Provincial and Federal Governments for help.
He noted that they still haven’t reached out.
“No, they haven’t, and I’m not sure if they’ve reached out to any First Nations organizations.”
Teegee added that the City can’t take on the homeless issue on its own, noting that it will have to be a group effort.
“Well, certainly the City has its role to play in terms of the homelessness. First and foremost is to perhaps get rid of the bylaw, or amend it. I think, further to that we know the City doesn’t have enough tools to deal with the homelessness issue. And it would really involve the many organizations downtown, the Provincial Government, and the Federal Government, and perhaps even First Nations Governments to deal with this growing issue.”
The BCAFN also released a statement in response to the City’s communication.
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