The BCCLA is participating in the public inquiry into the death of Frank Paul, a 47-year-old Mi'kmaq man who was dumped by Vancouver police in a down-town eastside alley where he died of exposure. In December, the Commission heard testimony from witnesses, including Constable Robert Turner and his partner Constable Derek Peterson.

Constables Turner and Peterson told the Commission that they arrested Mr. Paul the night of Dec. 5, 1998, for being drunk in a public place. After his arrest, Mr. Paul was transported to the Vancouver jail, where he was refused entry, apparently at the behest of the jail sergeant. Greg Firlotte, a jail guard, helped transport Mr. Paul back into a paddy wagon after the jail refused to care for him. Mr. Firlotte told the Commission that Mr. Paul was drunk, soaking wet, and unable to walk when he was dragged through the jail and loaded into the wagon.

Mr. Firlotte testified that despite Mr. Paul’s inability to care for himself, the Vancouver police did not call paramedics or request that jail nurses examine Mr. Paul. When questioned by counsel why he didn't call for help, Mr. Firlotte said: "I was the new guy, the junior officer … I didn't want to step on anybody's toes.” Constable Paul Instant, the wagon driver, dropped Mr. Paul off in an alley without shelter from the elements in the early morning hours of Dec. 6, 1998.

The first phase of the inquiry is investigating the facts and circumstances that led to Mr. Paul’s death. The second phase of the inquiry will examine the response to Mr. Paul’s death by BC Ambulance, Vancouver Police, the Coroner, the Police Complaint Commissioner and the Criminal Justice Branch. The B.C. government called the inquiry into Paul's death after years of pressure from the BCCLA and aboriginal groups. The BCCLA is represented by Michael Tammen, of Harper Grey LLP, and Grace Pastine, BCCLA Litigation Director.

Link to Frank Paul Inquiry website