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Rob Shaw: Vancouver tragedy triggers renewed focus on mental-health system

7 1
29.04.2025

There’s still very little known about what made a man allegedly drive through the Lapu Lapu festival in Vancouver on Saturday, killing 11 people, including a five-year-old child. But it’s clear the tragic event will have major implications on municipal and provincial policies, from security at public events through to mental health.

Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim reiterated calls Sunday for the provincial government to move faster and more aggressively on involuntary detention for those suffering severe mental health and addictions issues.

His comments, directed mainly at the provincial government, came after Vancouver police revealed the driver had a long history of numerous mental health interactions with police.

“We can’t create a police state here,” said Sim, responding to questions of whether enough security was deployed at the event.

“It doesn’t get to the root cause. And the conversation keeps coming back to mental health. We need to take care of people that are sick, get them the care they need. It’s the only humane thing to do for these individuals. And then we start to avoid horrific events that are occurring on a regular basis.

“That’s the conversation we have to have going forward. Or this isn’t going to change.”

The tragedy occurred just two days after Premier David Eby........

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