Dear Editor:
Re: City signs contract, Burnaby NOW, June 20.
It is important to clarify comments made by the mayor of Burnaby on Tuesday. A letter, sent by the director of police services, laid out the facts regarding the legal obligations that municipalities have to comply with the Police Act. While it did include information about potential costs that would accrue if compliance was not reached, it also included an offer to continue to work constructively with municipalities as they explored the options available to them.
I am disappointed with the politicking that is taking place around this contract; my priority is to ensure that all municipalities have a policing contract in place for their constituents, which is the legal responsibility of the municipality.
I have been clear that local governments are welcome to explore other options of policing, however they must meet the requirements of the Police Act while that work is being done.
Shirley Bond, Minister of Justice and Attorney General
