Francophones fraternize, unify Shoplifting freely Shopkeepers say more police action needed

By PALAK KLAIRE

High rent isn’t the only thing that challenges Vancouver shops in the downtown core. Some small business owners say robbery — sometimes with inadequate police response — also contributes to major difficulties.

Two Vancouver business owners said they have struggled to get help from the Vancouver Police Department and are beginning to lose faith in the justice system.

Statistics reported by the VPD in 2018 state that, Vancouver’s Central Business District alone, 4710 incidents of theft were reported and the city’s total was 12,270 reported incidents in one year.

Vancouver police media spokesperson, Constable Steve Addison said they work quite closely with loss prevention officers and take all calls very seriously.

“If someone needs us, if some - one calls us, we will attend,” Addison said.

Yet, Downtown Florist shop owner, Ali Tabasson, said he has sustained losses from theft anywhere from $100 to $150 daily. Although job when shoplifters come in — and it could be dangerous.

“I am upset,” Huynh said.

With some small businesses being pushed out of the downtown core due to high rents, the theft of even small items can be devastating.

“We rely on selling product to pay this high rent… [stolen goods valued] less than $50, they don't seem to care,” said Huynh, of their dollar store merchandise. “The law seems to be in favour of shoplifting,” she added.

Addison said the police don’t measure the seriousness of the crime by the value of the product.

Tabasson said he has nabbed suspects in the past, when he needed police, he said often they do not respond.

"We call the VPD to report about the issue, but they don't answer [the call],” Tabasson said.

Amy’s Jr. Loonie Toonie Town owner, Sui Huynh, said that her business partner and husband have sometimes needed to do the police’s

“Anything ranging from high-end products valued at several hundred dollars, to someone stealing a bag of chips and a chocolate bar, we will be there,” Addison said.

On its website, the VPD offer crime prevention and safety tips for businesses which may discourage shoplifters from targeting the business.

Gonzales last week attended the Rendez-vous Apéro, a type of French cocktail hour put on by the Alliance Française de Vancouver, where she can practise in the largely Anglophone city.

The Alliance Française de Vancouver, founded in 1904, provides French courses and cultural activities where adults and young students may come and learn.

“I am so fortunate to see such events in Vancouver where I can practise my French,” said Gonzales, adding that being fluent in both Canadian national languages helps unify Canada.

Friday, Oct. 25, was the first social gathering of the school year called Rendez-vous Apéro: Celtic. Eloise Loriot, the event coordinator of the centre, said that this particular evening is always successful and sees a bright future for students who attend.

“Members come from all over Vancouver, sometimes with their families, to meet and talk with friends in French, and to enjoy French food,” Loriot said.

Attendance at the South Vancouver French language learning centre is on the rise and so is Francophone influence in Vancouver.

Canadians understanding the importance of their official languages, English and French, is becoming more popular. In a 2016 survey, French immersion enrolment in schools increased 30 per cent over the previous 10 years and those who speak French a home in B.C. increased 21 per cent over the prior decade. The Alliance Française de Vancouver has seen increases as well.

“We have observed an increase of French learners of 35 per cent in the last five years in all age groups in our institution,” said Loriot, who added that their students include federal government workers and children who would like to work within the federal administration in the future.

Another participant, Eric Lebrun, a Belgian chemical engineer who has been living in Vancouver for 30 years, also praised the unity of Canada by the knowledge of French and English languages.

“Knowing French and English reinforces the unity of not only the country but the community as well,” Lebrun said.

French Presence In British Columbia

FRANCOPHONE PRESENCE IN B.C. IS INCREASING

1. Lower Mainland

Fifty-eight per cent of B.C.'s Francophone population live in the Lower Mainland.

2. French students

One-third of B.C.'s students are enrolled in core French programs.

3. B.C. bilingualism

Seven per cent of B.C.'s population are bilingual in English and French.

SOURCE: OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER OF OFFICIAL LANGUAGES, 2016