BCCLA Heads North Before 20-year RCMP Contract Signed
by British Columbia Civil Liberties Association
 Before the province of B.C. commits to another 20-year policing agreement with the RCMP, the BCCLA wants to know what people in the north think about the policing services they’re getting.
From August 9-24, 2010 the BCCLA will host community workshops on police accountability and the RCMP in 14 centres, as far north as Dawson Creek and Fort St. John, and including hot spots like Prince George, Houston, and Prince Rupert.
“Given some high profile incidents the media have brought to public attention, we want to know more about concerns that residents in the north have and whether there are as yet untold stories that the public ought to hear,” said Robert Holmes, President of the BCCLA.
“We’re going to go and get a sense of the needs of the local communities for accountability and responsiveness, what they like and what they don’t like, and report back to the public, the Province and the RCMP.”
The BCCLA and the media have uncovered some startling incidents in the recent past involving RCMP officers in the north, including the cases of Ian Bush, Clayton Alvin Willey, and Kevin St. Arnaud, as well as an incident in Merritt that led to the first charge of torture in B.C.’s history against an RCMP officer.
“We will expand and develop our contacts in the north. We want to hear first-hand what people’s concerns are and give them the opportunity to be heard,” said Robert Holmes, President of the BCCLA. “One point that will be focused on is the jail in Prince George. The coroner’s service in the Cheryl Ann Bouey inquest said it was “inadequate, antiquated and should have been replaced years ago.” That is the same jail where Clayton Alvin Willey died after being tasered multiple times while hog tied.”
The BCCLA tour covers 4,400 kilometres and will take two weeks, stopping in 14 cities and towns. BCCLA Executive Director David Eby will be leading the workshops, hosted by local advocates and community organizations.
See the full tour schedule
July 21, 2010
For immediate release
BCCLA Northern Tour
14 cities, 14 days, 4400km
Historically the BCCLA supported community civil
liberties advocacy groups across B.C., especially in rural and
underserviced centres like Quesnel and Prince George. We’re working to
revitalize these groups through a series of public workshops across the
province on issues of police accountability. With the Province moving
to sign another 20 year policing contract with the RCMP starting in
2012, we want to make sure that northern B.C. residents have their
voices heard about what kind of policing services they want.
About the Workshops
BCCLA Executive Director, lawyer, and author of the Arrest Handbook: A Guide to Your Rights,
David Eby will be visiting the following northern communities this
summer to run “know your rights” educational workshops and get feedback
on RCMP practices that the BCCLA will pass on to the Solicitor
General. We’ll be looking for community leaders who will act as our
community contacts, and ultimately help us re-establish BCCLA community
advocacy groups across the province.
You're Invited
If you live in one of the communities we’ll be
visiting, please come out to a workshop and share your thoughts on
policing in your community, and learn about your rights when dealing
with police. If you’re able to assist in promoting an event, please let
us know! |
Merritt
Monday, August 9, 2010 at noon
Nicola Valley Institute of Technology
Kamloops
Tuesday, August 10, 2010 at 9:00 am
Thompson Rivers University,
International Building, Room IB1015
Williams Lake
Tuesday, August 10, 2010 at 4:00 pm
Thompson Rivers University, Room 1305
Anahim Lake
Wednesday, August 11, 2010 at 10:00 am
Ulkatcho Hall, Elders Lounge
Bella Coola
Wednesday, August 11, 2010 at 2:00 pm
Bella Coola Moose Hall
Quesnel
Thursday, August 12, 2010 at 4:00 pm
Native Friendship Centre,
319 North Fraser Drive
Dawson Creek
Friday, August 13, 2010 at 10:00 am
Northern Lights College Cafeteria
|
Fort St. John
Friday August 13, 2010 at 3:00 pm
Friendship Centre
Prince George
Saturday, August 14, 2010 at 10:00 am
Fort George Park (meet at the stage)
Houston
Monday, August 16, 2010 at 10:00 am
Houston Senior’s Centre
Smithers
Monday, August 16, 2010 at 1:00 pm
Location TBA
Terrace
Tuesday, August 17, 2010 at noon
Skeena Diversity Centre
Prince Rupert
Wednesday, August 18, 2010 at noon
Salvation Army, 25 Grenville Court
Campbell River
Monday, August 23, 2010 at 1:30 pm
Salvation Army Lighthouse, 1381 Cedar Street |
|
