[news] Vancouver Province refuses to run ad containing criticisms of VPD

[resist]

The Vancouver Province newspaper has refused to publish a paid
advertisement of an open letter to Mayor Larry Campbell. The letter
contains criticisms of the Vancouver Police Department and their
dealings with the native community, women and others. 

The letter emphasizes the lack of trust in the community for the police
and the lack of accountability that they have. 

================
Re: Open Letter to Mayor Campbell, Chair of Police Board 

Hello, everyone. I just got word from Province newspaper they are
declining now to print the advertisement below.

They have had the copy for 3 working days, it went through and passed
their lawyer's scrutiny, went into typesetting, back to me twice for
approval / changes. Now at the 11th hour, they advise they cannot run
the ad. At this point they have not given me a reason - they maintain
they have the option to decline any advertisements, and will now
exercise that option. The Publisher can accept or decline paid
advertisements. I am waiting to hear from their legal dept. tomorrow
morning, as I would like to know the reason. In the interim, you can
read the attached final copy to see the impact of the ad. Needless to
say I am frustrated at this last-hour turn of events. Thank you for your
continued support, and I will update you as new information arises.

Regards, Julie Berg

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

August 14, 2003 

Advertisement

Open Letter

Mayor Larry Campbell, Chair of Police Board

Are you listening? Hear these voices.this is what concerned citizens and
groups have to say about Vancouver's Police Department (VPD):

Chief Stewart Phillip, President, Union of BC Indian Chiefs: "From a
native perspective, too many people have died at the hands of law
enforcement. Despite hundreds of recommendations, no fundamental changes
have been implemented. Policing agencies have a propensity to take care
of their own, but those individuals accused and charged with deceitful
cover-ups or misconduct must be dealt with in the severest manner
possible."

Frances Jourdain, sister of Frank Joseph Paul: "It pains me daily to
think of my brother's tragic and unnecessary death, especially how he
died. I question the motto 'To Serve and Protect'.shouldn't it have
applied to my brother?"

Deborah Jardine, mother of murdered Angela Jardine: "I know first hand
how the loss of a loved one affects families and communities under
normal circumstances, but the families of Vancouver's missing women were
not allowed normal police procedures. We didn't have diligent people in
office trying to solve each woman's disappearance. We know the truth and
must speak out."

Cameron Ward, Civil Liberties Lawyer: "In my law practice, I regularly
deal with people who have come into contact with members of the VPD. As
a result of this work, I have come to the regrettable conclusion that a
public inquiry is warranted because the police cannot objectively
investigate themselves. Nothing less than the public's trust and respect
for law enforcement is at stake."

Cristina Freire, Vancouver Rape Relief and Women's Shelter: "The police
are not making violence against women a priority. We need a police force
that will protect women's freedom to walk down the streets at night and
will support her decision to leave an abusive man."

Pivot Legal Society: "We maintain that the considerable number of
incidents of violence and abuse is indicative of a systemic and
pervasive problem within the VPD. A public inquiry is the most thorough,
independent, and effective investigative tool available. It is necessary
in order to serve the public interest and protect against future human
rights violations by Vancouver's police force."

Charlotte Airlie, mother of Barry Lawrie (victim, Stanley Park
Beatings): "The police need to be held accountable for their actions. It
appears there are two sets of laws - one for the general public, and
another for the VPD. Where is the justice?"

Barb Moyle, Mediator/Human Rights Advocate: "It's a bottomless pit.
VPD's lawyers through the courts have spent millions of BC taxpayers'
dollars on arbitrary, time-consuming, whimsical legal challenges. The
end result? No resolution, no accountability, and a steady erosion of
public trust."

Mayor Campbell, when are you and the Police Board going to take action
instead of turning a blind eye?

Julie Berg
Contact: 
juliebergdesign at hotmail.com