BC Civil Liberties Association Update March 2010

BCCLA launched the first Legal Observers program in Olympic history



The BCCLA trained hundreds of citizen Legal Observers who took to the streets, observing the security and policing of Olympics venues and demonstrations throughout the Games.

BCCLA to VPD: Leave the big guns at home for demos

The BCCLA asked the Vancouver Police Department to stop bringing semi-automatic military weaponry to demonstrations in Vancouver, even where demonstrations present public order issues.

“Free speech zone” crowded with pro-Olympic displays

The BCCLA was disappointed that the organizers of the 2010 Olympics had crowded an area designated for free speech with pro-Olympic displays, making large demonstrations practically impossible in the Olympic city. 

Provincial government shuts BCCLA out of international media centre

The Provincial Government told the BCCLA that the our communications were not welcome at the “International Media Centre” (IMC) during the Olympics. The refusal to distribute the BCCLA’s media release came months after the BCCLA’s original request to communicate with the media at the IMC.

Canadian Border Services Agents patrolling public space

BCCLA called on Canadian Border Services to explain their “inland” patrols.

Omar Khadr



The BCCLA has renewed its call for the repatriation of Omar Khadr.

BCCLA applauds Attorney General De Jong’s decision to open access to court files

The BCCLA applauds the decision announced by Attorney General Mike De Jong to reform policies and practices of court officials regarding public access to court files and information. 

BCCLA opposes ban on U Vic pro-life club

The BCCLA, which has a long history of successfully fighting for the reproductive autonomy of women, condemns the attempt to silence pro-life advocacy on the University of Victoria campus.

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