These are historic documents for informational purposes only, and do not necessarily reflect the
policies and priorities of the government of the day.
Ministry of Attorney General
March 22, 1996
PROVINCE OPPOSES DECISION TO DISBAND PORTS
POLICE
VANCOUVER - Despite a serious threat to public safety, the Vancouver Port Corporation intends to disband
its Ports Canada Police detachment by June 1, Attorney General Ujjal Dosanjh said today following a tour of
the Vancouver waterfront.
"Federal Transport Minister David Anderson says he'll ensure that the port continues to have the level of
policing that exists now. The Vancouver Port Corporation claims it knows nothing about such assurances,"
said Dosanjh.
"Mr. Anderson must show he means what he says and reverse the decision to withdraw police from Canada's
busiest port. The safety of much more than just the port will be compromised if this issue is not resolved
immediately".
"I have seen firsthand how dangerous this decision is for the safety of British Columbians. Investigations by
B.C.'s Co-ordinated Law Enforcement Unit and other police agencies underscore the danger. The decision
also makes a mockery of the federal government's gun control legislation, a central feature of which is
controlling illegal gunrunning through ports."
Dosanjh said public safety and security must not be subordinated to the economic interests of the ports.
"Ports are vital to B.C.'s economy, as is a strong, dedicated police force which must be maintained".
"I have written again to the minister of transport telling him that a serious assessment of the policing needs of
the port must be undertaken in consultation with the province and affected municipalities. The federal
government's alternative that British Columbia taxpayers pay the tab is simply unacceptable."
In the last 10 years, police have seized $1.25 billion worth of illegal drugs on the Vancouver waterfront. And
in the first three months of this year, they have recovered close to $2 million worth of luxury cars being
smuggled out of the country.
The Ports Canada Police detachment at the Port of Vancouver includes 29 officers, seven civilian staff and
eight seasonal employees. They are responsible for policing about 275 kilometres of coastline, including the
Port of Vancouver, North Vancouver, the bulk terminal at Port Moody, Roberts Bank, waters adjacent to
Vancouver International Airport and waters surrounding the ferry terminal at Tsawwassen and Boundary Bay,
extending to the U.S. border.
- 30 Media Inquiries:
Donna Sitter
(604) 387-5008 (Victoria)