Mr. Speaker, I rise to speak about the recent explosion of gang crime in metro Vancouver. Crime has always been part of human society but that does not excuse government ineffectiveness in controlling and reducing it. On the contrary, we must continuously improve and strengthen the complex network of resources, policies, processes and laws designed to protect citizens. That takes partnership, coordination and progress by politicians at every level of government and all political parties.
We collectively represent each individual citizen, and citizens have a right to expect their representatives to work constructively together on their behalf and to not engage in divisive partisanship and to not hide behind rhetoric about who is and who is not tough on crime. On this issue we cannot afford to play games. On this issue we must find common ground because it is literally a matter of life and death for the innocent victims of drive-by shootings and for the young gang members themselves.
When B.C.'s ministers came to Ottawa to tell us what new crime laws B.C. needs, I met with them not once but twice. I stand here today to confirm that I will work with the province, my colleagues and government to make those laws a reality.