BC Conservative Party to target wildfires, tent cities if elected

BC Conservative leader John Rustad focused his campaign Saturday on preventing wildfires and eliminating tent cities.

Rustad says if his party is elected, illegal encampments would be cleared out and those living in them would be provided with supportive housing.

Speaking in Kelowna, he stressed the importance of safety and reducing crime.

“The Conservative Party will ensure that there’s strict enforcement of public safety laws to clear both the illegal encampments and to keep public spaces safe,” Rustad said.

Supports would also be developed to provide care for those experiencing severe addiction or mental health crises.

Rustad also says, if elected, his plan would include a review of the province’s current wildfire polices, specifically highlighting the Okanagan, which has been hard-hit by fires in recent years.

“The Okanagan has become ground zero for B.C.’s wildfire crisis, and it’s clear that the NDP’s approach isn’t working,” said Rustad.

“We will ensure that this region gets the resources it needs to protect homes, businesses, and lives from wildfires.”

His plan would involve a review of the province’s current wildfire policies and investments into fire prevention technology and prioritize fire prevention over firefighting. As well, he says the party would cultivate public-private partnerships to foster investment in fire-prevention technologies.