B.C. Conservative Interim Leader Blasts NDP Over Rising Crime in Kelowna

Shirley Bond, interim leader of the B.C. Conservative Party, is accusing the governing NDP of failing to address rising crime and public disorder in Kelowna, and has called on provincial officials to take stronger action to improve public safety. Bond’s comments came during a visit to Kelowna — a city in British Columbia’s Interior region — where residents and business owners have expressed frustration over issues ranging from street-level disorder to property crime.

In public remarks and media interviews, Bond said that Kelowna and similar communities are being overlooked by the NDP government, which she claims has not provided adequate resources for policing or community safety programs. She highlighted recent incidents reported by local residents, including public disturbances, property offences and concerns about visible disorder in downtown areas, arguing that these trends are undermining quality of life and economic confidence.

Bond blamed what she described as “soft-on-crime” policies for a perceived lack of enforcement and deterrence, saying that strong leadership and strategic investments in law enforcement would help restore order. She emphasised that local police and community groups are already doing their best but need backing from Victoria in the form of more officers, resources and legislative priorities that prioritise public safety.

The interim leader’s criticisms come as the provincial NDP prepares for upcoming legislative sessions, and as public discourse about crime and community well-being has become a focal point for opposition parties across British Columbia. Bond said that residents have shared stories of break-ins, vandalism and other nuisance crimes that they feel are not being effectively addressed, and she pledged to bring those concerns to the B.C. Legislature.

Bond’s visit also included meetings with local business owners and community advocates, who echoed calls for more visible policing and stronger collaboration between municipal, provincial and community partners. Some Kelowna residents expressed support for tougher public safety measures, saying that concerns about disorder had been raised in neighbourhood forums and public meetings.

The B.C. NDP government has not directly responded to Bond’s recent comments but has previously said that it is committed to supporting community safety through funding for policing, crime prevention and social support programs aimed at addressing root causes of disorder. Officials often point to multi-year investments in law enforcement and community services, while also highlighting efforts to balance enforcement with social policy.

Public safety remains a key issue in provincial politics, and reviews of crime data — including statistics on property offences, assaults and public disorder calls — continue to inform debate about priorities and resource allocation. Opposition leaders like Bond argue that stronger action is needed now, while the NDP asserts that collaborative strategies with local stakeholders are essential to long-term improvements.