Civil Rights

  1. The Olympic Bid Corporation and its partners, in cooperation with the Vancouver Police Department, must put protocols in place that endure the rights of homeless and other marginalized persons affected by events in their area. The impact of a successful bid on the civil liberties of all Vancouver residents, especially those of marginalized persons who are most likely to be adversely affected, must be minimized. The fundamental liberties of persons to reside, move about and engage in their livelihoods should be protected. This means that there should be no “street sweeps” to remove homeless or drug-addicted persons from city streets, nor should sex trade workers be harassed or otherwise forced to move from their regular places of business without adequate compensation.
  2. Uphold the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms that protects fundamental freedoms such as freedom of expression, freedom of association and freedom of peaceful assembly. These fundamental freedoms must be respected. There must be no bans on expressions of dissent and protest. Meaningful opportunities for persons who wish to protest must be provided, for example, designated protest areas within reasonable proximity to the events and people against which persons wish to protest.
  3. Implement the Four-Pillar Plan. The City of Vancouver has been a leader in formulating progressive means to address the problems associated with drug use. A successful Olympics bid would provide the City, together with the senior levels of government, with an opportunity to showcase its leadership in this area through the full implementation of the Four Pillars plan, in particular through the provision of adequate and effective prevention and treatment and harm reduction programs. All levels of government, with the support of the Olympic Bid Corporation, should act immediately to demonstrate their commitment to overcoming one of Vancouver's most pernicious social problems.