Prince George-Mackenzie MLA Mike Morris has stepped down from the legislature's Special Committee on Reforming the Police Act.
While some saw Morris' 32 years in the RCMP and stint as the province's Solicitor General as an asset, others saw it as a liability. In a statement, Morris said he believes he can be more effective in achieving his goals for policing in the province.
"As a member of the Special Committee, I'm limited in what I can say and what ideas I can proffer. By stepping down, I'll be able to present to the committee the ideas that I have developed that could, I believe, begin the healing of this fractious relationship."
Morris reiterated his call to lessen the need for police to deal with calls related to mental health so they can better concentrate on criminal investigations.
"My goal is to ensure the work of the criminal branch of policing is better separated from the very real need to provide compassionate support to those in distress," he said. "Too often, police officers are asked to try and balance both and the results are not as desired for anyone involved."
Morris said he looks forward to sharing his ideas with the committee and the public."
