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| October 2008 | |||
| Bylaws Preventing Homeless From Erecting Shelters Found Unconstitutional |
BCCLA Criticizes Voter ID Requirements in |
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The BCCLA argued that sleeping outdoors without shelter has serious adverse consequences for a person’s health and safety and Victoria’s bylaws interfered with the ability of individuals to access adequate shelter, a fundamental necessity of life. |
BCCLA President Rob Holmes: “The right to vote is fundamental and belongs to every citizen 18 years old and up. Putting unnecessary restrictions on the right to vote is wrong. We have opposed these amendments from the outset. Countless homeless and transient persons may lose their right to vote. But it goes further, thousands of individuals who simply don’t have current identification with their new address on it, such as students, seniors, those who don’t drive and people who have disabilities, may be barred from voting. Knowing of this complication may lead many simply not to bother trying. With more concern about the drop in voter turnout in recent years, dumb laws like this should be repealed by Parliament or tossed out by the courts.” |
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| BCCLA Calls for Government Investigation and Action Against VANOC'S Efforts to Stifle Free Speech | BCCLA Boycotts RCMP Complaints Process | ||
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The BCCLA is boycotting the RCMP public complaints process where civil remedies in court or other agencies are available. After many years of assisting complainants and launching its own complaints, the BCCLA has concluded that the RCMP's process is fundamentally flawed and does not work. News release >> |
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| Court Rules that Warrantless Searches of Homes are Illegal | |||
The BCCLA is encouraged by a decision of the BC Supreme Court which ruled that provincial legislation that allows electrical inspections of homes that are suspected of being marijuana grow-ops is sound, but police cannot accompany those inspectors without a warrant. The BCCLA intervened in the case, Arkinstall v. City of Surrey, over our concern that the legislation was being used as a tool to conduct warrantless searches of citizens’ homes, which are a clear violation of the Charter. The inspections were done without any judicial warrant to enter the home and the only justification given or required for the inspections was that one had high power consumption based on electricity consumption records that the City can compel from the utility provider. The decision came after two Surrey residents went to court against the City of Surrey after the team of Surrey safety inspectors and police demanded entry into their home. The couple said they would allow the electrical inspectors and fire fighters to enter the home, but not the police unless they had a legal warrant. In response, the City of Surrey simply cut the power supply to the home, forcing the couple and their young child to abandon the house. |
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| Special Event: The Power of Liberty | |||
On Thursday, November 20, 2008 at 7pm, the BC Civil Liberties Association will showcase a special public lecture by renowned criminal lawyer, Eddie Greenspan Q.C., at the Law Courts Inn in downtown Vancouver. A VIP reception will follow to honour the pro bono legal talents and key supporters who champion civil liberties and human rights on behalf of the BCCLA. Tickets are almost sold out! Reserve your tickets today: Event information & registration >> |
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| Gold sponsor: | Bronze sponsors: | ||
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Branch MacMaster |
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| Tax Time is Just Around the Corner | |||
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| Civil Liberties Update is a summary of some of the B.C. Civil Liberties Association's recent work. The Association publishes a newsletter, The Democratic Commitment, an annual report and posts its positions, submissions, legal arguments and news releases at www.bccla.org. | |||
To unsubscribe to the Update please contact us by e-mail. |
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The BCCLA intervened in Victoria (City) v. Adams, a groundbreaking homeless rights case that found that homeless men, women and children who have nowhere to sleep but the street, must not be prevented from protecting themselves from the elements. The case marks the first time that any Canadian court has struck down an ordinance that criminalizes the lack of shelter. 
The BCCLA opposed new federal voting rules that required all voters to produce identification at the polls. Amendments to the Canada Elections Act require a driver’s license or two pieces of approved ID that contain a voter’s name and address to confirm voter eligibility. 
The Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games sweeping purchases of virtually all outdoor advertising locations for the ten-week period surrounding the Olympic Games amounts to an unconscionable effort to suppress other viewpoints. 
This is a great time of year to contribute stocks or shares to the BCCLA since a capital gains tax no longer applies to donations of securities and the donation receipt will actually help reduce your 2008 personal income taxes. Contact Sarah at