Critics of B.C.’s civil forfeiture laws are questioning their power and reach, saying the office is too powerful and lacks transparency.
The province’s civil forfeiture laws were created to target organized crime and the proceeds of criminals, but critics say the legislation is so strong that innocent people are at risk of losing property, income and even their homes.
Sunny Dhillon, who wrote an investigative piece on the civil forfeiture office for the Globe and Mail, spoke on Unfiltered Tuesday about his findings.
He says he found dozens of examples of people who are fighting the civil forfeiture office for offences they may have been arrested for, but were never charged or even convicted of.
“Mr. Lloyd Smith has alleged that when his property was busted in October of 2007 it was done so in breach of his fundamental charter rights. A judge of the British Columbia Supreme Court has found that there were indeed breaches that occurred at that time” says Vaze.
Wally Oppal, who was Attorney General when the civil forfeiture office was created, says the civil forfeiture act is a very good idea, but that it never hurts to have a review because it’s relatively new legislation.
- B.C. Conservative leader pledges not to ‘reopen the abortion debate’
- Canfor to shutter B.C. sawmill, curtail Prince George pulp mill
- A look inside the now-sidelined ‘floatel’ meant to house LNG workers near Squamish
- South Surrey restaurant forced to close after suspicious fire, more criminal acts reported
Comments