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Rally to save MAP Van

June 23, 2009 Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MEDIA ADVISORY

FEDERAL MP LIBBY DAVIES RALLIES TO SAVE MAP VAN

Vancouver- Vancouver East MP, Libby Davies will join rally coordinators - WISH Drop-In Centre Society and the Prostitution Alternatives Counselling and Education (PACE) Society for a candle-light vigil Tuesday night, in support of the outreach MAP (Mobil Access Project) van.

“This van provides essential health and safety services for hundreds of women in the survival sex trade,” said Davies. “Closing down this successful project is unthinkable and will only hurt our community’s most vulnerable women.”

When: 9:30 p.m. Tuesday June 23, 2009

Where: Corner of East Hastings and Gore

Who: WISH Drop-In Centre Society and
PACE Society

The MAP vigil will take place from 9:30 pm to 10:00 pm at 13 intersections across the Downtown Eastside. Libby Davies will participate at the Hastings and Gore intersection.

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Libby speaking out for missing women

February 16, 2010
The Toronto Star
Giving a voice to Vancouver's missing womenOn a day dedicated to love, they remembered loved ones lost: The murdered and the missing. Yet theirs is not a mourning felt just once a year. It's chronic, continual and, for most, without any relief, whether or not the fate of their sisters and daughters, mothers and friends has been determined. The 19th annual Women's Memorial March had nothing to do with the Olympics; it is only coincidence that the annual Valentine's Day observance fell during the Winter Games here, drawing international media attention and a larger crowd than normal, hundreds falling into step behind the families following a noon remembrance service inside the Carnegie Community Centre in Vancouver's notorious Downtown Eastside.
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Libby renews call for public inquiry into Vancouver's missing women

Libby Davies's picture
December 17, 2009 Press Release

Call to coincide with International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers

VANCOUVER – On the international day to raise awareness of violence and discrimination against sex workers, MP Libby Davies (Vancouver East) has renewed her call for a public inquiry into the actions of the Vancouver Police Department and the RCMP in their investigation of Vancouver’s missing women.

“I first raised this issue in Parliament in 2001, calling for an inquiry into police actions, and for the federal government to work with all levels of law enforcement to stop the disappearance of so many women from the Downtown Eastside,” said Davies. “Almost nine years later, many questions still remain.”

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Libby calls on Ministers for a public inquiry

December 10, 2009 Open Letters to Ministers & Public Officials

The Honourable Peter Van Loan
Minister of Public Safety
House of Commons
Ottawa, ON K1A 0A6

The Honourable Michael de Jong
Attorney General of British Columbia
Parliament Buildings
Victoria, BC V8V 1X4

Dear Ministers Van Loan and De Jong,

I write once again to express my full support for a public inquiry into the actions of the Vancouver Police Department (VPD) and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) in the investigation of Vancouver’s missing women.

I first raised this issue in Parliament in 2001, calling for an inquiry into police actions, and for the federal government to work with all levels of law enforcement to stop the disappearance of so many women from the Downtown Eastside.

Today, questions remain about the police investigations and why it took so long for a special task force to be put together, whether there was negligence and wrong doing by law enforcement officials in carrying out their duties, and what crucial lessons must be carried forward.

I commend the diligence, perseverance, and courage of Ms. Maggie de Vries in her struggle for justice for her sister, and I am encouraged by the recent news that Police Chief Jim Chu and Deputy Chief Doug LePard now support a public inquiry.

It is critically important to recognize that there are many women in the Downtown Eastside who are still at risk daily, due to neglect, stigmatization and the failure of governments to act. I therefore also urge the government of British Columbia and City of Vancouver to act swiftly to make public the recommendations and findings of the internal investigation by the Vancouver Police Department.

Sincerely,

Libby Davies, MP

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Comments on Missing Women Trial

December 7, 2007 Press Release

VANCOUVER - The trial of the missing women is now concluded.

But still there are many issues that disturb our consciousness, and trouble society about the desperate situation that the missing women faced in their tragic lives.

First and foremost I express my deep sympathy and support to the family, friends and the communities of the missing women, who endured their loss and faced the horrors of a 10 month long trial that has been unprecedented in Canadian history, and was preceded by many years of frustration, inaction, and denial by those in a position to act.

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Statement on Missing Women Murder Trial

January 22, 2007 Press Release

VANCOUVER - The tragedy of the missing women from Vancouver's Downtown Eastside will generate enormous media attention as the trial begins January 22, 2007. As the Member of Parliament representing Vancouver East (including the Downtown Eastside), I want to express my support and sympathy to the families and friends of the missing women who continue to grieve and be exposed to the violent and horrifying experience of what happened to these women.

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Action Needed on Missing Women

October 4, 2004 Press Release

OTTAWA - With this week's news that 8 more names been added to the list of women missing from the Downtown Eastside, I want to express my deep sympathy for the families and loved ones of those who continue to look for answers in this horrific case.

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