Mayors and councillors from across B.C. head to Victoria this week to try and squeeze help for health care, crime, street disorder and infrastructure out of a provincial NDP government that’s dead broke and in a political tailspin.

The Union of BC Municipalities convention occurs right across the street from the legislature, but the gap between the two sides in terms of demand and delivery is more like a chasm.

For many communities, the top issue oscillates between health-care shortages and public safety—both of which fall squarely in the lap of the provincial government.

The Okanagan communities of Kelowna, West Kelowna, Vernon and Penticton have already banded together to call on the government to address repeat violent offenders, citing one person who was responsible for more than 220 police interactions, 31 court order violations and multiple assaults, threats, thefts and disturbances since 2021.

“This is our justice system repeatedly sending chronic offenders back onto the streets of our community without consequence, without care, emboldened to continue victimizing our community,” the communities said in a joint op-ed.

“Our citizens and businesses deserve better. At what point do we draw the line and hold individuals accountable, enforcing real consequences that prioritize public safety and restore confidence in our justice system?”

The mayors preemptively shot down foot-dragging from the province on the issue,saying “the call for action has never been more urgent or loud” and “we do not need another plan, another report, or another round of announcements.”

On crime, the B.C. government’s position has been: it’s Ottawa’s fault. Premier David Eby in his trip to the nation’s capital last week urged another round of bail........

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