BC United Critic for Finance Peter Milobar, in response to the NDP’s announcement of a new rebate program for small businesses impacted by crime, said in a statement on Wednesday: “While it’s nice to see the NDP finally admit the significant negative impact that crime is having on small businesses in B.C., for most this rebate will be too little, too late.

“Our BC United Caucus has been sounding the alarm on this issue and calling on David Eby’s NDP government to take action for months. In April, we even introduced a bill in the Legislature that would help to expedite relief for small businesses impacted by crime — but the NDP refused to call it for debate.

“Small businesses throughout the province are grappling with the consequences of the NDP’s reckless decriminalization policy, which has resulted in unchecked public drug use and is further contributing to existing crime and street disorder.

“Small businesses need clarity from government about what relief will be available to them and when and today’s announcement left most of those details unanswered. Many businesses simply cannot afford to wait until the fall for this government to figure out how to deliver relief that was needed months ago.

“It’s David Eby’s catch-and-release justice system that allowed the situation to get this bad and government could easily take action to support businesses right now by addressing crime and vandalism in our communities.”