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An expert on gangs says the very public nature of a recent series of shootings in Metro Vancouver may be attributed to COVID-19 restrictions, with rivals striking at the first chance they get.
Martin Bouchard, a professor in Simon Fraser University’s school of criminology, says the pandemic has changed people’s routines and they aren’t getting out of their homes often, which could play a role in the brazen nature of shootings.
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VANCOUVER An expert on gangs says the very public nature of a recent series of shootings in Metro Vancouver may be attributed to COVID-19 restrictions, with rivals striking at the first chance they get. Martin Bouchard, a professor in Simon Fraser University s school of criminology, says the pandemic has changed people s routines and they aren t getting out of their homes often, which could play a role in the brazen nature of shootings. He says gang violence follows its own course regardless of what the initial motive was for the conflict. The comments come as police leaders meet today with Solicitor General Mike Farnworth about the shootings that have left gang members dead or injured on streets, in mall parking lots and at Vancouver s airport.
VANCOUVER B.C.’s top cop will meet with Metro Vancouver police chiefs on Thursday afternoon amidst an escalation in gang-fueled shootings across the Lower Mainland that has seen numerous targeted killings in public places, putting innocent people at risk. The meeting between Public Safety Minister and Solicitor General Mike Farnworth and the chiefs will be held virtually to “(assess the) situation on the ground” and to “look at what additional steps, if any, are required,” Farnworth said on Wednesday. Earlier this week, Premier John Horgan said he was as “appalled as all British Columbians” with the violence, which included the fatal shooting of a well-known gangster Sunday afternoon outside Vancouver International Airport s departures hall.
A one-time, pro-rated refund will also be issued to drivers who renewed their insurance policy under the old system. A policy holder’s refund will be the difference between what they paid when they last renewed and the lower cost of ICBC’s care-based model.
The amount will also vary based on however long their current policy extends past May 1, 2021.
How ICBC will calculate this one-time, pro-rated refund (ICBC).
“Customers who are eligible for an Enhanced Care refund will receive a personalized letter explaining the amount they are being refunded for each eligible vehicle they insure, ICBC says in a statement. “These letters will detail how the refund will be returned to customers based on how they paid for their insurance.”
Posted: May 11, 2021 3:59 PM PT | Last Updated: May 11
People are pictured lined up outside the Killarney Community Centre to receive their COVID-19 vaccination due to living in a ‘hot-spot’ neighbourhood in Vancouver, British Columbia on Monday, May 11, 2021.(Ben Nelms/CBC)