Conversations that Matter - Episode 10 - Vancouver Police Chief Jim Chu on Mental Health, Addiction and Homelessness

This week’s Conversation that Matters features Vancouver Police Chief Jim Chu on Mental Health, Addiction and Homelessness.

The Chief points out that no one wants to see people with mental health challenges fall through the cracks in the system and end up on the streets. He points out, however, that it continues to happen and when it does, he says, “who’s there to meet them? Your friendly neighbourhood drug dealer who immediately victimizes them.”

Chief Chu estimates there are 300 people with identifiable mental health issues on the Downtown Eastside that need help. He says, we can pay for those services or wait and hope they do not become a safety risk to the public and ultimately a justice system cost.