This week I have another win/win policy to share with you.
Vehicle theft not only adversely impacts the owners of stolen cars, trucks and more recently trailers, but the resulting insurance payouts mean higher premiums for all drivers.
As many of you are aware, a few years ago ICBC began using the bait car program.
The program was at first a pilot one, and later expanded to other areas of British Columbia and also began to use trucks and lately even trailers.
Even here in Penticton bait trailers are now helping bring a halt to auto crime. Is it working? Vehicle theft in Penticton has decreased 42 per cent between 2009 and 2010.
In addition thefts from vehicles have also dropped by over 30 per cent in that same time frame. In short the bait car/truck/trailer program is working and working well and is helping to keep ICBC premiums down for all drivers. I would like to recognize the good work of ICBC and the RCMP in partnering to bring these important public safety programs to the citizens of this area.
This week is also National Volunteer Week.
Although I had been a community volunteer for most of my adult life, it was not until I was elected into government before I really began to appreciate the magnitude and significance of the many important contributions volunteers make in our communities.
To suggest that volunteers are our unsung heroes is really an understatement. There are simply too many volunteer contributions to list them all but I can say that in virtually every aspect of community service there are volunteers involved helping make a difference in their respective communities.
For every volunteer in our region I humbly say thank you for your efforts and know that they do make a difference.
A community without active volunteers would not be unlike a tree without leaves. Thank you again to all volunteers for the good work you do.
Feedback from citizens is something that I value immensely in my travels. Through the office, at the airport, out in the community and elsewhere I often hear what is on people’s minds. Sometimes feedback parallels what is in the media and sometimes not.
One issue that I have heard from a great number of citizens is support for tougher animal cruelty laws. In fact I had over 4,200 emails on this subject alone and all were united in asking for tougher laws to protect animals from abuse.
As you may have heard, the B.C. Government intends to introduce Canada’s toughest laws against animal cruelty through amendments to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.
These changes will see increased penalties to up to $75,000 and 24 months imprisonment for the most serious offences. In addition the current six-month limitation period for prosecuting offences will be extended and mandatory reporting of animal abuse by veterinarians will be required.
Abuse to animals is something I believe we would all like to see brought to an end in British Columbia.
Bill Barisoff is the MLA for Penticton.