Protecting Sooke
committed to properly funding emergency services
push for 911 cell phone levy
When it comes to protecting our community, Noah applauds the recent shift to 24 hour policing, and is committed to properly funding our RCMP detachment as well as the dedicated folks at Sooke Fire Rescue. Emergency services are a non-negotiable for Noah - he is clear eyed in his support of maintaining and expanding these services as required.
Early this year, police outlined record call volumes, rising serious crime and staffing levels that have not kept pace with population growth. Our “cop to pop” ratio of police officers to residents is approximately 1 to 1300 - the worst in the province. As Sooke continues to grow and property and drug related crime continues to rise, Sooke needs to stand behind our RCMP detachment and ensure they have the resources at hand to protect our safety.
E-Comm 911 costs place a significant burden on local taxpayers. In the past, a levy on landlines subsidized the cost, but in this day and age landlines are fewer and fewer, and cell phone bills have no equivalent levy. Noah firmly believes the provincial government needs to negotiate a cell phone levy to ensure efficient access to 911 services province wide and Sooke needs to continue to advocate for this.
Noah also recognizes and is grateful for the service of the present members and veterans of the Canadian Forces that call our town home.