Teresa Wat’s reversal on safe injection sites is welcome, says Yao
Last week, BC Liberal MLA Teresa Wat falsely claimed in Mandarin that the BC Liberals were opposed to safe injection sites. But BC Liberal Leader Kevin Falcon has clearly said in English that as Health Minister he promoted safe injection sites: “I was a supporter of safe injection sites. So my record is clear.”
Wat has since apologized, telling Richmond News that she “used the wrong choice of words and misrepresented” the BC Liberal position on the issue.
Former Journalist Victor Ho told the Canadian Press that “Wat’s remarks represent one of the biggest gaffes he can remember involving mixed messages to different communities.”
“You should have a standardized opinion, no matter if it’s for the Chinese community or the mainstream society here in Canada,” Ho said.
“I am disappointed by the BC Liberals’ misleading comments on the drug crisis,” said BC NDP MLA Henry Yao. “But Teresa Wat did the right thing by apologizing and making it clear that she supports safe injection sites, decriminalization, and safe supply.”
Safe injection sites, decriminalization, and safe supply are supported by the BC NDP, BC Greens, and BC Liberals, as well as experts including the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police.
“Political leaders shouldn’t be saying opposite things in different languages,” said Yao. “I hope that in the future, the BC Liberals will be more honest with people about their position on important issues.”