The City of North Vancouver isn’t alone in rejecting the province’s decision to download the costs of DNA crime-lab testing to municipalities.
Last month city council unanimously voted in favour of writing to both the federal and provincial governments to express its displeasure over the unilateral decision to change the cost structure for DNA testing.
Last week the Union of B.C. Municipalities also voiced its concern, calling on B.C. Attorney General and Minister of Justice Suzanne Anton to reverse the decision to shift provincial costs for DNA analysis to municipalities.
In a letter written in response to the City of North Vancouver’s opposition to paying for crime-lab costs, Anton wrote: “The previous federal government made the decision to reduce its share of DNA costs. Unfortunately, that means the costs fall to municipalities. I understand why municipalities like North Vancouver have concerns and I would encourage them to raise them directly with Government of Canada.”
Since 2004 provinces and territories have contributed to the cost of the DNA service, with B.C. paying $1.37 million annually. But in 2013 the federal government advised provinces that “flat rate” contributions would be replaced by a user-pay model based on actual costs.
Under the new agreement, the feds will pay 46 per cent of the costs of DNA analysis, with the provinces and territories covering the remainder. B.C.’s DNA analysis tab for 2016-17 will be $4.9 million, but the province is only willing to pay $1.37 million. That will result in a $3.54-million shortfall that must be paid by individual policing agencies based on usage of DNA analysis.
The B.C. NDP also opposes the DNA download decision.
On Dec. 7, NDP MLA Selina Robinson, Opposition spokesperson for local government and sports, wrote a letter to Anton, stating, “It is disappointing that the province of B.C. is the only provincial government or territory in Canada that has chosen to pass this cost off on to local governments.”
Robinson also rejected the B.C government advising municipalities they must protest directly with the federal government. “Furthermore, telling local governments that they have to negotiate directly with the new federal government to address their concerns is an abdication of the provincial government’s responsibility to British Columbians.”
