Kamloops MLA candidates outline approaches to homelessness, addiction and toxic drug crisis

Ahead of the Oct. 24 provincial election, The Wren asked readers what they want to know from candidates running to represent the Kamloops Centre and Kamloops-North Thompson ridings as a member of the legislative assembly.

A third of respondents chose recovery supports. Several asked about mental health and addiction care that follows people once they are housed.

Here’s how candidates answered the question: How do you propose tackling the intersecting crises of homelessness, addiction and the toxic drug crisis?

Thaelo Proctor, Independent, Kamloops Centre: The chief complaints around these issues I hear are support and crime.

Whenever possible it is always cheaper, more efficient and more ethical to create systems to support the homeless and addicted so they are not put in positions where they have to commit crimes. It is cheaper to house people, rather than cleaning up after, then housing criminals. 

I will use my power in legislation to advocate for these principles, and listen to feedback from professionals, who work with those struggling. To address the valid crime concerns, police do need to be supported to stop real criminal activity, protect small businesses and get toxic drugs off the streets.

Annelise Beach, BC Greens Party, Kamloops Centre: Everyone deserves to have their basic needs met. BC greens plan to build more non-market, low income housing and increase mental health services in the community. I would consult/collaborate with individuals who have lived experiences on what’s needed in Kamloops. More OPS sites including 24 hour care.   

Peter Milobar, Conservative Party: This candidate did not respond prior to publication. This article will be updated if more information is provided. The Conservative BC platform pledges to end safe supply, expand access to naloxone, add 500 RCMP officers and 150 civilian staff over five years and introduce “compassionate intervention.”

A conservative government would “empower police to enforce the Mental Health Act and amend the act so officers can connect people with mandatory treatment,” according to the platform. 

Mike Wisla, BC NDP: This candidate did not respond prior to publication. This article will be updated if more information is provided. 

The NDP has promised that it will invest $90 million into establishing an involuntary care centre at the Okanagan Correctional Centre in Oliver for those with complex brain injuries who are experiencing addiction and mental health issues. 

“People experiencing these concurrent disorders may not be in a position to ask for help, and need specialized, compassionate care,” the party shared in a press release Oct. 16. “That’s why the BC NDP is creating a network of involuntary care centres across the province, to treat those with severe challenges and get them the help they need.”

The centre is among other facilities in Surrey, Prince George and Maple Ridge. 

The NDP pledges to hire 50 more Crown prosecutors, double repeat offender programs and is campaigning on an increase of police officers. 

Rocky McAfee: This candidate did not respond prior to publication. This article will be updated if more information is provided. OneBC has pledged to “eliminate safe supply and drug consumption programs, cancel all new drug consumption sites and turn current consumption sites into drug recovery centres, [implement] involuntary drug rehab and housing for the severely addicted and rollback all decriminalization programs and crack down on open drug use.”

The party also campaigns on focusing on repeat and violent offenders.

Kamloops North-Thompson Candidates:

Kory Clark, BC NDP: 

1. Continue to support and advocate for more supportive/complex care housing units to support people in Kamloops-North Thompson, such as Solace Shelter, 1102 Glenfair Drive and Genesis 2.0.
2. Expanding services and organizations, like Foundry, providing mental health and wellness services to people.
3. Making access central, a central line to connect people to same-day clinical assessments to get them into treatment, more available, a program which was called, “just a phone line” by BC Conservatives.

Ward Stamer, Conservative Party: This candidate did not respond prior to publication. This article will be updated if more information is provided. In 2024, Stamer told The Wren’s sibling publication, Sun Peaks Independent News, that he is against free, safe drugs and decriminalization.

“We believe in a compassionate solutions-based approach that prioritizes real treatment and recovery, while ensuring the safety and well-being of our communities,” he said.

A conservative government will introduce legislation to allow for involuntary drug treatment, intervening to leave less people with serious mental health problems and addictions “on the streets,” he said.

The Conservative BC platform pledges to end safe supply, expand access to naloxone, add 500 RCMP officers and 150 civilian staff over five years and introduce “compassionate intervention.”

Deborah Friesen, OneBC: This candidate did not respond prior to publication. This article will be updated if more information is provided. OneBC has pledged to “eliminate safe supply and drug consumption programs, cancel all new drug consumption sites and turn current consumption sites into drug recovery centres, [implement] involuntary drug rehab and housing for the severely addicted and rollback all decriminalization programs and crack down on open drug use.”

The party also campaigns on focusing on repeat and violent offenders.

Further reading: 

Fact-checking claims about recovery: Involuntary treatment 

Involuntary addictions treatment: What experts want you to know before you vote

Fact-checking claims about recovery: Harm reduction