April 29, 2022 

Faye Wightman, Vice-Chair, Vancouver Police Board 

The Special Legislative Committee (Committee) on Police Act Reform has released its report, ‘Transforming Policing and Community Safety in British Columbia’, following a thorough Province-wide review. This review and report represent an important step towards ensuring a modernized Police Act that reflects the needs of BC’s diverse communities, while considering both the role of police boards, and police departments in the many complex social issues faced by society today. 

The Vancouver Police Board (Board) and the Vancouver Police Department (VPD) submitted detailed perspectives and information as part of this review, and we acknowledge the work that went into the Committee’s consideration of the extensive input received from so many individuals and organizations. 

In addition to supporting this review, the Board welcomes any outcomes that will assist in enhancing public safety and making our communities safer for all concerned. It is the Board’s role to ensure fair and responsive policing in Vancouver, and we are committed to doing our part in continuing the valuable work of the Committee. 

The Board is proud of our sworn and civilian VPD members, for their ongoing work towards building a progressive organization that forms an integral part of the community. We know that as a Board, more work is needed towards implementing positive change and restoring trust between communities and police. We look forward to reviewing the final report and the Committee’s recommendations in detail and to incorporating positive and constructive actions into how we move forward as a Board. 

More comments about the report will be provided at a later date, once the Board has had the opportunity to fully consider and discuss the information therein.