Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim’s focus at a press conference on Wednesday morning was clear: the City needs help from the provincial and federal governments to expand mental health care.
Sim’s push for expanded mental health care support, specifically compassionate mandatory care, comes after a tragic weekend that left 11 people dead.
The suspect behind the heinous act was known to be struggling with mental illness.
“Vancouver is doing what we can, but we can’t face this alone,” Sim said, adding that health care is a provincial responsibility.
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We heard from Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) earlier this week, and it shared more with us about the extent of the suspect’s mental health issues, telling Daily Hive the suspect was on extended leave.
“VCH can confirm the alleged driver of the vehicle was under the care of a mental health team and on extended leave in accordance with the Mental Health Act,” it said.
It added, “In this situation, the care team followed established guidelines for a client on extended leave, and there was no indication this person was not following their treatment plan or presented a public safety risk.”
Sim said that criminal incidents in connection with residents suffering from mental health issues represent a “recurring pattern.”
“There are people out there who should not be directing their own care.”
Sim was visibly emotional and impassioned when answering reporters’ questions. One reporter asked about mental health care leaders calling for a public inquiry.
Sim asked rhetorically, “How many more inquiries do we need?”
Sim said he was sick of inquiries and commissions, saying, “We need action.”
The mayor said 49 full-time mental health positions are needed to partner with the VPD to divert mental health calls from police-based responses, of which 38 have been hired so far. Sim said that Car87 has also been expanded, suggesting capacity has been doubled.
Acting VPD Chief Steve Rai also attended the City Hall press conference and provided some operational updates on the ongoing investigation.
“Accountability brings change,” Rai said. He added that Vancouver police have been changing how they’ve approached the mental health crisis over the past decade, including mental health training for officers.
Rai said investigators are working through hundreds of tasks and that police will have more to share later on Wednesday.
Sim was also asked about repeat offenders and said that the City has called on senior government officials to address this issue, adding that it’s a federal responsibility regarding realities like bail reform and the issue of catch and release.
“This tragedy makes the urgency even more clear,” Sim said.