Wakeham Announces Plan for Safer Communities for All of Us

 

St. John’s, NL – Today, Tony Wakeham, Leader of the Progressive Conservative Party of Newfoundland and Labrador announced a part of his plan to tackle rising crime rates and make communities across Newfoundland and Labrador safer.
“Too many families are worried about crime in their neighbourhoods,” said Wakeham. “Break-ins, drug violence, and repeat offenders are leaving people scared in their own homes. That has to stop. Our plan will put more police on the streets, strengthen prosecutions, and expand treatment for addiction so we can make our communities safe again.”



To make communities safer for all of us, Wakeham said a Progressive Conservative government will:

  • Hire at least 46 new police officers – including 25 new RCMP officers for rural Newfoundland and Labrador and 21 new RNC officers to restore the force to its highest level in a decade. These officers will target violent crime and drug-related offences.
  • Hire additional Crown Attorneys to make sure criminals are sentenced without delay. A delay in prosecuting crime does not reduce crime.
  • Press the federal government to end “catch-and-release” practices that allow repeat offenders back on the streets.
  • Support new addiction treatment centres in Newfoundland and Labrador to expand access to detox and recovery services.
  • Create new Mobile Mental Health Crisis Teams to provide immediate help to those experiencing crisis.
“Our plan is about keeping people safe,” Wakeham said. “That means more officers in our communities, tougher enforcement for violent and repeat offenders, and better support for those struggling with addiction and mental health. That means safer communities for all of us.”
Additional parts of Wakeham’s plan to make communities safer will be outlined in the coming weeks. A cost breakdown of these commitments is below.