The actions being prepared by the BC Conservative Party, are what the BC government should be doing.

Brian Peckford (L) & John Cummins (R)

A news story in the Vancouver Sun, "Feds threaten to withdraw B.C. RCMP services as contract talks break down", mentioned a comment from BC Solicitor General Shirley Bond that indicated if … the province can't get Ottawa back to the table it may look at a "Plan B" scenario of reconstituting the former provincial police force.

I hope you noted the wording of that comment … BC Solicitor general Shirley Bond, and the government of Christy Clark, “MAY look at plan B scenario”. 

So where do BC Conservatives stand on this?  BC Conservative Party leader John Cummins stated the following in a media release which went out earlier today:

"Let's have a real debate over a BC Provincial Police Force. We should not lock into another 20 year contract without understanding the potential costs and benefits that a BC Provincial Police force would bring to British Columbians."

He went on to say only one provincial government in Canada has taken over policing services from the RCMP in the past 3 decades, and that was the government of Newfoundland and Labrador, which was led at the time by Premier Brian Peckford.  The release said that under his government the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary took over policing of certain parts of the province from the RCMP.

John Cummins said, "I have asked the Hon. Brian Peckford to prepare a preliminary report on the benefits and the costs of creating a BC Provincial Police force, based on his experiences in Newfoundland and Labrador; and review the change to provincial forces in Ontario and Quebec."

He continued, “The report will include, but not be limited to, providing better police services while keeping costs down, ensuring the police are recruited and trained in BC, and the police force represents BC ethno-cultural makeup.”

This is not time for ... we may think about … we are considering … we perhaps will do!  The actions being prepared by the BC Conservative Party, are what the BC government should be doing.  Sadly they appear not to be!

How long will it take for the report??  “The report will be completed within 90 days and will be released to public." said Cummins.

As for Mr. Peckford’s thoughts on this important task??  He said, "I look forward to applying my experience replacing the RCMP in parts of Newfoundland and Labrador to better understand the viability of a BC Provincial Police force."

Christy Clark and the BC Liberals = shoulda, woulda, coulda …

John Cummins and the BC Conservatives = planning, preparation, and action

I’m Alan Forseth in Kamloops … with the thoughts of one conservative on this round ball we call planet earth.