[LabComm] How much are taxpayers spending to appeal $100 awards? Asks Kwan

[BC NDP NEWSWIRE]

-- NDP MLA says BC Liberals wasting court time, taxpayer dollars --

VANCOUVER – NDP MLA Jenny Kwan yesterday asked the Campbell government to disclose the legal costs paid by the taxpayer to fund its appeal of the $100 awards granted to 39 homeless British Columbians.

On November 7, 2002, the B.C. Supreme Court awarded $100 to 39 Woodwards protesters who appeared in court.  The award was granted because the government lawyers failed to show up to the hearing.

“By failing to show up to court, the government was in the wrong, not the homeless protesters,” said Kwan.  “But instead of admitting their error, the BC Liberals are spending thousands more taxpayer dollars in a bull-headed appeal to prove a point. They should take the small loss, and promise to do a better job next time getting their lawyers to court.”

In the 2002 ruling, the Judge wrote, “Normally, if a party comes to the court and then the matter doesn’t proceed for reasons related to the other party, they’re given the costs for the day.  I see no reason why that should not apply in that case.”

“The principle at stake is no different if you are a homeless protester or the president of the Vancouver Board of Trade,” said Kwan.  “If the government takes you to court and then doesn’t bother to show up, you are compensated for your inconvenience.  That’s what happened in this case, but still we’re spending an untold amount of money to get $3900 back.  

“It’s a waste of money and it underscores the mean-spirited and stubborn nature of the BC Liberal government.”

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