琉璃神社-Mission MLA Gavin Dew has criticized the provincial government over what he says is a failure to support Rutland businesses.

During Question Period in the B.C. Legislature on Tuesday (Apr. 1), Dew claimed that since the social services office was moved to Highway 33 and Dougall Road in 2023, some small businesses have seen a 25 per cent decline in net profits per year.

Business owners and residents complained about property crime, and drug use soon after the office was relocated.

鈥淲hen the small business community asked the ministry office to provide additional security 24-7, the ministry declined,鈥� Dew added. 鈥淲hen they asked the ministry to join them, and the City of 琉璃神社, in financially supporting their on-call neighbourhood patrol team, the minister declined.鈥�

Dew asked why small businesses are paying out of pocket for security while struggling to survive the consequences of failed NDP drug policies.

Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, Garry Begg, said every British Columbian should feel safe, including in 琉璃神社.

鈥淭he Opposition Leader鈥檚 old government cut funding for crime prevention. We have enhanced it鈥攚e鈥檝e strengthened policing and we will continue to do that.鈥�

Dew countered with his experience while participating in the Rutland Spring Clean Up on March 30.

鈥淥n Sunday I was cleaning up garbage, crack pipes and needles on the streets of Rutland with residents,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 can assure you that the minister鈥檚 promise about people feeling safe rings hollow with what people are going through.鈥�

He also questioned Minister of State for Community Safety, Terry Yung about his recent visit to 琉璃神社 where he met with community groups and city officials.

鈥淧lease let us know what specific action items he committed to in order to address the consequences of this government鈥檚 failed drug policy in my riding and Rutland in particular.鈥�

Yung promised to work closely with the community and the city to make sure residents feel safer.

鈥淵ou have my word on it,鈥� Yung noted.