Two ex-Mounties squared off in the legislature this week over the mental health crisis that looks to be at the heart of the Vancouver street festival mass killing.

One — Opposition critic Elenore Sturko — was responsible for criticizing gaps in the area of police options and responses to mental health calls. The other — Public Safety Minister and Solicitor General Garry Begg — was charged with defending his portfolio’s part of the government’s efforts.

For all the mutual respect arising from their shared career paths, he flopped. Considering how white-hot the issue is, the minister should have had a much better handle on the file.

Their lengthy debate was a preview of what the quick review of B.C.’s Mental Health Act will be grappling with in private. Premier David Eby ordered the review after the street festival killings.

Sturko focused on the police response to the recent increase in serious incidents involving mentally-ill people and/or drug-addicted people terrorizing innocent citizens. Included was a corresponding increase in assaults on police.

She asked for information on how many province-wide police calls relate to mental health crises.

Begg said: “Statistically there is no way that we can quantify the........

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