March 28, 2024

BCCLA wants to halt roll out of new BC Services card

The BC Civil Liberties Association is calling on the government to halt the roll out of the BC Services card. The government wants the multipurpose I-D card to replace the old Care Card, and phase one of the rollout is set for February 15th. But Michael Vonn with the BC Civil Liberties Association says major privacy concerns have not been … [Read more...]

BCCLA hires new executive director

The BC Civil Liberties Association has hired a new executive director. Josh Paterson is a lawyer with a background in first nations and environmental issues. While he says that likely factored into his hiring, pushing police accountability will continue to be a priority for the BCCLA. "There has been an improvement in the way things are going on … [Read more...]

BCCLA to argue in court for changes to Canada’s forfeiture process

The BC Civil Liberties Association is heading to Supreme Court Wednesday to argue that changes need to be made to Canada's forfeiture process... Associate Counsel with the BCCLA Ragi Mangat says right now court decisions are made separately for sentences and forfeitures of offense related property. But, she says, that leaves a lot out of the … [Read more...]

BCCLA questions objectivity of expert consulted in alleged RCMP assault

No charges were ever laid against Terrace RCMP after a man in their custody was left brain damaged. Now, the BC Civil Liberties Association is asking why did police consult a discredited expert in making their report to recommend charges? Crown counsel says there was not enough evidence for a conviction against Mounties in terrace after Robert … [Read more...]

BCCLA calls for Crown transparency

Questions are being asked after the Crown decided to not proceed with an assault charge recommended against a Terrace police officer. Hours following his arrest in April, Robert Wright’s wife says he was permanently injured and she wants to know what happened.  But, since the Crown is not laying charges recommended by the special … [Read more...]

BCCLA: Woman who fought to change Canada’s law on assisted death, has passed away

The BC Civil Liberties Association says Gloria Taylor, the 64 year-old Okanagan woman who fought to change Canada’s law on assisted dying, died yesterday.She was the Association's lead plaintiff in its "death with dignity" lawsuit.BC Supreme Court had granted Taylor a personal exemption allowing her the right to seek a physician-assisted … [Read more...]

BCCLA disappointed at court ruling on HIV disclosure

The Supreme Court of Canada has clarified what people with HIV can do to avoid being criminally charged. The court has ruled people who have low-levels of the disease and wear a condom do not have to inform sex partners about their condition. The same court had ruled in 1998 anyone who did not could be charged with aggravated sex assault. The … [Read more...]

BCCLA wants to make sure people know issues around HIV testing

As health officials encourage more HIV testing, the BC Civil Liberties Association wants to make sure people know their privacy rights. Local health authorities have been pushing a new campaign to have more people get tested in a bid to get rid of the disease. "While we absolutely support increased access to testing and treatment – like, who … [Read more...]

BCCLA pleased with Privacy Commissioner’s latest moves

The Privacy Commissioner's demand for the BC Government to change its employee criminal record check policy is drawing praise from the BC Civil Liberties Association. Policy Director Micheal Vonn says the report underscores that not every job requires a criminal records check. Vonn says how the criminal record check information is handled is … [Read more...]

BCCLA complaint before Vancouver Police Board

The Vancouver Police Board will debate whether to dismiss a complaint about its "Prime-BC" records database, brought by the B.C. Civil Liberties Association.The B.C.C.L.A. wrote to the privacy commissioner last spring, concerned that a B.C.-wide police records database could contain false information.The database is used to prepare criminal record … [Read more...]