The Opposition Conservatives are hopping mad over a report just tabled by the Liberal's Public Safety Committee that basically ignores the problem of rural crime.

Foothills MP John Barlow says it was a real farce.

"The fact that they have shown zero understanding for the anxiety that people in rural communities are going through, the impact that rural crime is having on our economy and our communities. The mental health of our friends and neighbours. And this isn't just in Alberta. This is across the country."

The report agrees rural crime is a growing problem, but the report ignores most, if not all of the testimony of witnesses and fails to make any recommendations other than saying provinces need to spend more money on it, and the RCMP need to work closer with other police agencies.

Barlow says the report left him shaking his head.

"For them to table a report, that's just one or two pages, with zero recommendations basically saying "Yeah, you know we've heard some stories, this is not our problem. Deal with it." It really was unbelievable."

What also has Barlow hot under the collar is any recommendations made by his party were ignored, such as tougher action against repeat offenders, greater use of electronic monitoring and clearer self defense laws.

Barlow says the committee also ignored much of the testimony of witnesses, like Okotoks Eddie and Jessica Maurice, who went to Ottawa to tell their story to the committee last October.

A handful of Conservative MP's will hold a media availability Thursday, May 23 in Edmonton to address the report.

Read More: Maurice's Tell Their Story In Ottawa

 

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