Kevlar Vests

Posted April 18, 2009 by Sacha Peter
Category: Justice

Just listening to CKNW – apparently somebody pointed out that BC Auction’s website was selling Kevlar (bulletproof) vests that were no longer required by the police. As soon as the solicitor general’s office was notified, they pulled the auction. NDP MLA Mike Farnworth was quoted in saying “Gangsters could have easily purchased the vests”. I got a good laugh out of that quote.

Both the BC Liberals’ and NDP’s platform calls for the banning of body armour. I have said earlier this policy is ridiculous – crafting and enforcing such legislation will do absolutely nothing for gang violence and will end up costing the government in compliance costs – money that could have been better spent elsewhere.

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Regional police force not in the cards

Posted February 17, 2009 by Sacha Peter
Category: Justice

Here is a link to an article by Gary Mason on the issue of the recent government announcements concerning the hiring of police and prosecutors. Suffice to say, he is not impressed with the approach, saying the policy announcement was likely last-second and not part of a plan.

The issue of gang violence and dealing with crime is likely to feature strongly in the NDP’s platform unless if the government takes substantive action during this legislative session.

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Crime is in the spotlight

Posted February 11, 2009 by Sacha Peter
Category: Justice

Attorney General Wally Oppal has been under fire from all sides with respect to the BC Government’s handling of the entire justice portfolio. Monday on CKNW, he and John McComb were firing remarks at each other.

It’s fairly obvious that this has caught the attention of central administration – Premier Gordon Campbell was answering crime-related questions in question period today in the legislature. This rarely happens.

The NDP are smart to be making the crime and justice issue a proxy issue for Wally Oppal. While his riding (Vancouver-Fraserview) is relatively BC Liberal leaning, if his performance is made to be a referendum issue this election, Oppal will be facing an election that will be more difficult than it otherwise should be.

This development is probably welcome relief for the NDP, who have been trying to find an issue to sink its teeth into.

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Legislature Raids no longer a risk in election

Posted December 1, 2008 by Sacha Peter
Category: Justice

The trial of the 2004 charges brought again David Basi, Bob Virk and Aneal Basi with respect to corruption from the 2003 sale of BC Rail is likely to be delayed another year, according to Bill Tieleman’s site.

The election risk stemming from these charges was one of the “known unknowns” that was facing the BC Liberal party, and they certainly are sighing a relief hearing this news.

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Justice system reform a probable target

Posted September 5, 2008 by Sacha Peter
Category: Justice

With the BC Supreme Court deciding to overturn the Kelly Ellard conviction (Ellard was accused of murder in Reena Virk’s slaying over a decade again), there will potentially be a fourth trial.

Presumably the public is tired of the justice system taking 11 years to resolve a court case, whether the accused is innocent or guilty.

Chances are either party that presents a coherent platform of reforming the justice system to make it a little more grounded in reality would likely resonate with members of the public that have been adversely affected by criminal activity.

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