There appears to be erroneous information circulating over the Internet through either news articles or social media that we wish to correct. This is in regards to the fish farm demonstration in Alert Bay and the supposed “escorting of the Viktoria Viking to the Port Elizabeth site by the RCMP.”
For clarification, the RCMP is not taking part in the ongoing work being done by the private fish farm company and at no time did the RCMP escort the vessel into the area. We were made aware that the restocking of fish was to be occurring yesterday, October 13, and we are also aware there are people who oppose the restocking.
The RCMP are impartial in this dispute. We understand and respect the rights of individuals to peacefully demonstrate and we are committed to protecting those rights. At the same time, companies also have a lawful right to complete their mandated work.? Our role is to maintain peace and ensure the safety of all those involved, and in order to do so we need to physically be in a position to respond should there be a need for our services – from demonstrators, spectators, fish farm workers and general public.?
The BC RCMP’s Division Liaison Team (DLT) is currently in Alert Bay, ready and available to assist in facilitating safe demonstration, whether on land or water. The team was formed to build relationships with and work with interest groups to assist in ensuring safety as they exercise their rights to voice their opinions.? For more information on the DLT and how to reach them, please visit our website:
?http://bc.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/ViewPage.action?siteNodeId=23&languageId=1&contentId=52682
?Further inquiries can be directed to:
Released by
Cpl. Janelle Shoihet
Media Relations Officer
“E” Division Communication Services
bc.rcmp.ca
14200 Green Timbers Way, Surrey, B.C. V3T 6P3 – Mailstop #1608
Office: 778-290-2929
Fax: 778-290-6114
Email:Â janelle.shoihet@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
Royal Canadian Mounted Police – October 14, 2017.