Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim Seeks Public Safety Referendum

Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim is calling for a public referendum on public safety issues to be held alongside the municipal elections in October, while also sharply criticizing B.C. Premier David Eby.

Sim’s ABC Vancouver party has proposed adding two questions to the municipal election ballot. The first would ask voters whether the city should strengthen its bylaws to restrict open drug use. The second would seek public support for pressuring the provincial government to build a treatment facility with more than 100 beds for people dealing with mental illness and addiction.

Sim questioned the provincial government’s handling of health care and the drug crisis, saying Premier Eby needs to fulfill his responsibilities properly. He added that if Eby cannot provide solutions, he should “find another job.”

Opponents, however, have dismissed the referendum proposal as an election stunt by Sim, accusing the mayor of trying to divert attention from his own shortcomings on public safety and the drug crisis.