-- NDP Wants Employment Insurance Extended to Victims -

VICTORIA-New Democrat Public Safety critic Mike Farnworth today slammed the B.C. Liberal government for its failure to support victims of violent crime.

"The Campbell government abandoned victims of crime when they gutted B.C.'s Victim Services program and eliminated awards for pain anD suffering," said Farnworth. "Under their watch, victims have fallen through the cracks, and the B.C. Liberals continue to ignore common sense solutions that would help victims and their families in their recovery."

Farnworth pointed to his proposal to extend EI benefits to victims recovering from violent crime as an example of the Campbell government's failure to act.

"I think B.C. needs to work with the federal government to ensure victims of violent crime are eligible for employment insurance (EI) forthe duration of their recovery. These benefits should also be extended to family members, who have to take time off of work to care for a family member victimized by a violent crime. But the B.C. Liberals have not taken action, ignoring the needs of victims once again.

"British Columbians deserve a government that will care for those in need and provide real support for victims of crime," said Farnworth. "I am calling on the Campbell government to show some leadership and work with the federal government to extend these important benefits to victims and their families."