The Editor:
Re: Should the City of New Westminster commit to ending homelessness? (Dec. 12, 2024)
It was incredibly disheartening watching the council workshop where council discussed the Interim Housing Needs Report on Dec. 9.
Shockingly, Coun. Paul Minhas asked if the police have programs to slow "so-called transients" from moving to New Westminster.
It is absolutely appalling that a city councillor would even think that police should be in the business of deciding who gets to move to our city.
We live in a society where people are free to live where they like, not in some police state where only the select few are allowed.
I ask Mr. Minhas: what did you mean when you asked if the police have programs that would "address this issue"? How do you see the police addressing the issue of homelessness?
And then, Coun. Daniel Fontaine votes down the housing needs report because it doesn't list the number of units it would take to end homelessness.
Let's be honest here, the number of units doesn't matter to Mr. Fontaine because he would vote against them anyhow.
After all, he's already voted against provincially funded projects that would help our unhoused neighbours get off the streets and into beds or homes. He says he wants to end homelessness, yet his actions suggest otherwise.
Luckily, the adults in the room voted in favour of endorsing the Interim Housing Needs Report.
Thank you to Mayor Patrick Johnstone, Coun. Ruby Campbell, Coun. Jaimie McEvoy, and especially Coun. Tasha Henderson for showing compassion and empathy, and understanding what our city needs to move forward to help everyone find housing in New Westminster.
- Brad Cavanagh, New Westminster
