Politics of Fear: Harper’s ‘War on Drugs’
Politics of Fear: Harper’s ‘War on Drugs’
In Canada, there is a growing movement of NGOs and individuals to defeat Harper's "war on drugs."
The original article, Politics of Fear: Harper's 'War on Drugs' was published on November 28, 2007 in Rabble.ca. Author(s): Libby Davies
HST Hurting British Columbians and the Economy
Pesticides and the Environment
Libby renews call for public inquiry into Vancouver's missing women
Libby renews call for public inquiry into Vancouver's missing women
Fair Trade not Free Trade - Libby on the proposed Canada-Columbia Free Trade Agreement
Libby calls on Ministers for a public inquiry
Libby calls on Ministers for a public inquiry
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
Libby calls on Ministers for a public inquiry
Libby renews call for public inquiry into Vancouver’s missing women
Libby renews call for public inquiry into Vancouver’s missing women
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.”
In a response to a recent email from Maggie de Vries, the sister of Sarah de Vries who disappeared in 1998, VPD Police Chief Jim Chu and Deputy Chief Doug LePard publicly stated their support for an inquiry.
“I commend the perseverance and courage of Maggie de Vries in her struggle for justice for her sister, and I’m encouraged by the new support from the Vancouver Police,” said Davies.
Davies’ Private Member’s Motion in 2002 led to a special Parliamentary Sub-Committee to examine solicitation laws. The goal was to improve the safety of sex trade workers and the community in general, recognizing that many of the missing women worked in the sex trade.
For more information about the International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers, visit www.swopusa.org.