By Mike Archer. The Abbotsford Chapter of the BC/Yukon Drug War Survivors (DWS) has released a list of candidates it supports for Mayor and Abbotsford City Council in the November 15 municipal election.
Founder and head of the Abbotsford DWS Barry Shantz says, “We distributed a series of questions to all candidates and invited all candidates to attend either of two of our regular meetings to discuss their positions with us. We are encouraged by the large number of candidates who answered our questions, participated in our meetings and the many who have begun a meaningful relationship with our members.”
Candidates were invited to participate in the DWS meetings of either October 21 or November 4 at the Abbotsford Community Services Building in downtown Abbotsford.
“We are really encouraged by the sincerity and the willingness to learn and to move forward based on the science and the facts surrounding marginalized people and homelessness. While it is only a beginning, it is an important start to the healing process in this city that so many political candidates chose to meet us and were willing to listen to our concerns, our needs, our views and our proposals for solutions,” says Shantz.
The list of candidates the DWS has chosen to support includes:
For Mayor
Henry Braun
For Council
(in alphabetic order)
James Breckenridge
Raymond Kobes
Tim Felger
Marlisa Power
Paul Redekopp
David Sahlstrom
Ross Siemens
Karen Young
Ken Wushke
DWS Questions and Answers
Tim Felger
Questions on Homelessness in Abbotsford
1. Do you recognize, as the BC Supreme Court and the BC Human Rights Tribunal have, that the DWS is the representative of the rights, needs and aspirations of the most marginalized and vulnerable population in Abbotsford?
Yes I could go along with that, and I would include them in public meetings on homelessness and drug issues as the representative.
2. Do you believe an informal resolution process i.e. healing process with the DWS would be more effective than continuing to defend the many, complex and expensive court cases the City is currently engaged in with the DWS and the very individuals who have been most injured by the City’s actions and excluded from all other discussions about them?
I think we should be laying criminal charges against some city employees and police officers especially for the chicken manure incident. The city position on Harm Reduction is ridiculous and we should charge the city employees of the past who brought it in with war crimes and crimes against humanity. We should also seize all their property and pensions.
3. Do you believe that the Abbotsford Police Department strategy of displacing and dispersing the homeless is either effective or appropriate?
I would have Police Chief Bob Rich Arrested for negligence causing bodily harm under the criminal code of Canada and charged with crimes against humanity. I would seize his assets and his pension as proceeds of crime. I woul;d also arrest the police board for letting this drug war rage in Abbotsford.
4. Do you agree with the City of Abbotsford’s Crime Prevention Plan which states that drug use, drug possession, and drug dealing are directly related to organized crime?
Our common Bonds are Freedom, lower taxes and a gang free society, the best way to achieve that is to end the drug war and have a sensible approach to drug use and drug distribution regulations.
Drug Prohibition maximizes harm to society and it is the enforcement of the drug laws (CDSA) that is causing the problems, that is where the violence is injected in to the community. The biggest organized crime is the prosecution of the drug war and the politicians and police officers that prosecute it.
I would regulate all drugs and arrest all Federal and Provincial agents who interfered with my plan and accuse them with treason against humanity and charge them with crimes against humanity.
5. Is a solution to homelessness in Abbotsford even possible without dealing with the needs of the 60 -80 percent of the homeless population which self identifies as drug addicts and users?
The only solution to homelessness is to understand it is not for a privileged few to have a home, clean food and water, it is the right of every human and it is a God given right. I would go back and put professor Plecas, Mary Reeves and Randy White in prison and seize all their property for crimes against humanity and war crimes.
6. Would you support an academic study, performed by world class authorities on marginalized people and homelessness in Abbotsford in order to come up with new directions and solutions?
Another study to say what we already know, the prosecution of the drug war creates more social problems then it solves and maximizes harm to society. Cutting the police budget by 10 million in two years and shifting those resources to public good, like free or cheap public transportation for the welfare class, free public pay phones, free public bathrooms, homeless camps that have running water and electricity and maybe turning the hockey area into a homeless camp indoors.
Opening an Insight in Abbotsford and ending the drug war by putting Harper and his criminal friends in Prison for crimes against humanity and treason to Humanity and to Canada.
There is no statue of limitations on war crimes and crimes against humanity, so Mary Reeves and Randy White, Professor Darryl Plecas and Police Chief Bob Rich can expect a knock on the door some day and to be arrested for their crimes.
I would also pursue charges against some politicians for this Odious Debt they have bestowed upon us.
Raymond Kobes
1. Do you recognize, as the BC Supreme Court and the BC Human Rights Tribunal have, that the DWS is the representative of the rights, needs and aspirations of the most marginalized and vulnerable population in Abbotsford?
I will stand by the BC Supreme Court’s decision that the DWS is the representative of the homeless in Abbotsford
2. Do you believe an informal resolution process i.e. healing process with the DWS would be more effective than continuing to defend the many, complex and expensive court cases the City is currently engaged in with the DWS and the very individuals who have been most injured by the City’s actions and excluded from all other discussions about them?
An informal resolution process would be very beneficial for both sides and I would support working towards such a process.
3. Do you believe that the Abbotsford Police Department strategy of displacing and dispersing the homeless is either effective or appropriate?
I am in agreement with most Abbotsford residents that spreading manure and slashing tents is not an appropriate way in displacing the homeless.
4. Do you agree with the City of Abbotsford’s Crime Prevention Plan which states that drug use, drug possession, and drug dealing are directly related to organized crime?
There is a plethora of data that shows links between drug use, drug possession, and drug dealing with organized crime. I cannot disregard this data and must state that there is definitely a correlation between drugs as mentioned above and organized crime.
5. Is a solution to homelessness in Abbotsford even possible without dealing with the needs of the 60 -80 percent of the homeless population which self identifies as drug addicts and users?
I am a strong proponent of the housing first approach. This method will help open new avenues in which to properly facilitate and provide services for drug addicts and those with mental illnesses. The problem of homelessness goes much deeper than just not having a house and I realize that more is needed.
6. Would you support an academic study, performed by world class authorities on marginalized people and homelessness in Abbotsford in order to come up with new directions and solutions?
I realize the benefits of such a study here in Abbotsford, but there are already numerous studies that have been done with and by world class authorities. We should consider looking at reports of cities similar to those of Abbotsford and working towards a permanent solution. Let’s look at Alberta and how they have dealt with this issue. We must use the resources available to us and not try to be trail-blazers when we don’t need to be.
Post note: I am sorry that I could not attend your first meeting, but look forward to attending on November 4. Please realize, that as a young person of 19, I am not looking for a band aid solution, but rather a long term, realistic one. I will work in collaboration with the homeless, experts on the subject, and other civic leaders in order to make the best decision for those who are greatly marginalized in our community of Abbotsford. However, the pendulum swings both ways and the only way the issue of homelessness can be solved is if both sides give. That is to say, those living on the streets and in parks must comply with city by-laws and cooperate with police, etc. I just want to be clear that we must both be willing to listen to and respect the other side. I look forward to meeting with you all face-to-face so that we can have an open dialogue and exchange ideas.
Marlissa Power
1. Do you recognize, as the BC Supreme Court and the BC Human Rights Tribunal have, that the DWS is the representative of the rights, needs and aspirations of the most marginalized and vulnerable population in Abbotsford?
Yes, I recognize the BC Supreme Court and the BC Human Rights Tribunal that DWS represents the most marginalized and vulnerable population of Abbotsford. However, they are only one of many who can and do represent the disenfranchised in Abbotsford. It isn’t and cannot be the responsibility of one group. This is a community issue and it deems a community solution and responsibility.
I believe a solution modeled on the City of Nanaimo’s approach to their homeless issue which worked well in that city could be implemented here in Abbotsford. They coordinated all the stakeholders involved (City, Community Services, Police, Health Care, Salvation Army, DWS, Churches/Outreach etc.) and worked with each homeless person one on one to come up with individualized plans and solutions and got each person the help they needed.
This issue is made up of individuals who have individual challenges which have to be addressed in order to successful get them off the streets. A band aid solution or telling the homeless this is the one solution we are offering and you better like or we won’t help – will not work and does not demonstrate compassion.
This unique one on one approach resulted in positive benefits for all involved. The homeless felt included and part of the community and they had a say in determining a solution to their current life circumstances therefore the success rate was higher. The homeless who did not care for the positive attention and being included in the community because their activities were somewhat questionable; left town.
Therefore the City of Nanaimo’s model was a Win Win for all. The homeless people who needed the help received it and participated in their own betterment and the homeless who weren’t interested in determining their solution left.
2. Do you believe an informal resolution process i.e. healing process with the DWS would be more effective than continuing to defend the many, complex and expensive court cases the City is currently engaged in with the DWS and the very individuals who have been most injured by the City’s actions and excluded from all other discussions about them?
I am in favour of restorative processes such as an informal resolution process rather than combative costly court cases paid for by the citizens of Abbotsford.
3. Do you believe that the Abbotsford Police Department strategy of displacing and dispersing the homeless is either effective or appropriate?
I believe that the Abbotsford Police Department’s strategy of displacing and dispersing the homeless is neither effective nor appropriate. Why keep dispersing the homeless and enforcing a by-law when you know that the homeless have nowhere to go? This is not only compounding the problem but increasing their already high stress levels and trauma.
Instead, give the homeless the time and space while the City Stakeholders, DWS being one, can come up with a solution. We know that the City had a Task Force on the Homeless and the Dignitarian’s Society are working on solutions such as a proposed Village of Dignity and hiring a Housing Coordinator who could maximize the effective of all the stakeholders.
Most agree that this is an important issue – perhaps the number one election issue – many are working to come up with positive solutions which I would whole-heartedly support if elected Council Person.
I ask APD and the City to take the high road; give the homeless a reprieve until proposed solutions can be reviewed and implemented.
4. Do you agree with the City of Abbotsford’s Crime Prevention Plan which states that drug use, drug possession, and drug dealing are directly related to organized crime?
I researched the City’s website and a Plan for Crime Prevention dated 2009 but could not find the above statement “that drug use, drug possession, and drug dealing are directly related to organized crime.”
I did find much reference to gang education and I do see a lot of work being done by APD to prevent youth from getting entangled in a gang lifestyle; which I do believe leads to criminal activity and unfortunately for many unnecessary and targeted deaths.
I would need to read this plan and then decide if I agree with the question as stated.
5. Is a solution to homelessness in Abbotsford even possible without dealing with the needs of the 60 -80 percent of the homeless population which self identifies as drug addicts and users?
I am proposing the Stakeholder’s engagement model as implemented by the City of Nanaimo successfully and discussed at length in question one above.
I believe that this one on one approach to the homeless issue will succeed in Abbotsford because it will address the needs of individuals and not dictate a solution that will not be accepted or successful because of the many varied and real challenges that these individuals face.
On-going Drug addiction and Mental Illness are two key challenges that many of the homeless population face. These are both treatable but we have to acknowledge that they may never be conquered therefore we need to accept them as people just the way they are and get them the help that is appropriate at this time. That being said; what is inappropriate now may be appropriate 6 months after the working with an individual.
It is not appropriate to not help someone or to judge them hopeless because they are dealing with conditions that are very difficult to overcome and are not “choices” as many perceive them to be.
6. Would you support an academic study, performed by world class authorities on marginalized people and homelessness in Abbotsford in order to come up with new directions and solutions?
I am not – not in favour of study of the homeless in issue in Abbotsford being conducted by world class authorities on marginalized people and homelessness but I would ask who is going to fund this study and get more information on the study’s participants and qualifications before making my final decision.
Paul Redekopp
1. Do you recognize, as the BC Supreme Court and the BC Human Rights Tribunal have, that the DWS is the representative of the rights, needs and aspirations of the most marginalized and vulnerable population in Abbotsford?
I do recognize, as the BC Supreme Court and the BC Human Rights Tribunal have recognized, that the Drugs on War Survivors “DWS” is the representative of the rights, needs and aspirations of the most marginalized and vulnerable population in Abbotsford.
2. Do you believe an informal resolution process i.e. healing process with the DWS would be more effective than continuing to defend the many, complex and expensive court cases the City is currently engaged in with the DWS and the very individuals who have been most injured by the City’s actions and excluded from all other discussions about them?
Yes; an informal resolution process ( ie healing process ) could be more effective then long on going court battles that will cost the tax payers far to much money. We are known as the most charitable city in Canada, a city that cares for the needs of others. It is time to show how much we care by putting aside our battles and working together on solutions.
3. Do you believe that the Abbotsford Police Department strategy of displacing and dispersing the homeless is either effective or appropriate?
I believe that the Abbotsford police department were only following orders. The orders that they were given may not have been best, but they (the police) were doing as they were instructed to do. Compared to other police forces we have one of the best in BC. I am proud of our men and woman who serve and protect our city. Are they perfect “no” but they are human.
4. Do you agree with the City of Abbotsford’s Crime Prevention Plan which states that drug use, drug possession, and drug dealing are directly related to organized crime?
It is my opinion that drug use and drug possession, may not be directly related to organized crime but it is still a crime. Drug dealing is a different concern that in my opinion is related to some level of organized crime.
5. Is a solution to homelessness in Abbotsford even possible without dealing with the needs of the 60 -80 percent of the homeless population which self identifies as drug addicts and users?
Is it possible to find a solution? Yes it is , but that means that we all must work together. It means providing the services to help those who want help. If someone wants to get of of drugs or any other form of addiction we should have the services ready or provide the not for profits the resources they need to complete the necessary services.
6. Would you support an academic study, performed by world class authorities on marginalized people and homelessness in Abbotsford in order to come up with new directions and solutions?
Yes of course I Would support an academic study “performed by a world class authority” on marginalized people and homelessness in Abbotsford. We need to come up with new directions and solutions and we need to do it now not in a couple more winters from now, but like I said earlier it means that we must all work together to make the solutions a reality.
David Sahlstrom
1. Do you recognize, as the BC Supreme Court and the BC Human Rights Tribunal have,
that the DWS is the representative of the rights, needs and aspirations of the most
marginalized and vulnerable population in Abbotsford?
I recognize the BC Supreme Court and the BC Human Rights Tribunal have given the DWS the right to represent the homeless of Abbotsford. I also recognize the homeless are in need, that society has the responsibility of addressing those needs and that all people deserve to be treated fairly and with respect.
2. Do you believe an informal resolution process i.e. healing process with the DWS would be more effective than continuing to defend the many, complex and expensive court cases the City is currently engaged in with the DWS and the very individuals who have been most injured by the City’s actions and excluded from all other discussions about them?
I believe that the adversarial legal process is an inappropriate way to produce an effective solution to a problem that affects both the marginalized homeless and those that have homes.
The homeless are in need and if those needs cannot be met they should not be discriminated against. If the DWS believes a healing process would be effective, it is Abbotsford’s responsibility to consider and participate in it.
3. Do you believe that the Abbotsford Police Department strategy of displacing and
dispersing the homeless is either effective or appropriate?
The strategy of displacing and dispersing is little more than discrimination and harassment.
However, the APD has the responsibility to uphold the law and the homeless must recognize that breaking the law has consequences.
4. Do you agree with the City of Abbotsford’s Crime Prevention Plan which states that drug use, drug possession, and drug dealing are directly related to organized crime?
The legislative environment has determined that drugs are illegal and that their use,
possession, and dealing are illegal. It is the responsibility of the APD to uphold the law. The degree to which these are directly related to organized crime is debatable and I don’t have the data to argue. However, addiction whether to legal or illegal substances is a sickness and is not healthy. As such whether or not drugs are illegal, the problems of addiction need to be addressed.
5. Is a solution to homelessness in Abbotsford even possible without dealing with the needs of the 60 -80 percent of the homeless population which self identifies as drug addicts and users?
Each of those that are homeless is an individual and has a unique story. Each has unique needs and a unique road to recovery. For some, the road may begin with a home first but for others a home will do no good. There are agencies that have the funding and provide housing
opportunities. The role of Abbotsford should be to work with the care community, the agencies responsible for health and housing and the homeless to engage, support and empower them.
6. Would you support an academic study, performed by world class authorities on
marginalized people and homelessness in Abbotsford in order to come up with new
directions and solutions?
In my opinion, a study is not needed and would keep the homeless where they arefor longer than necessary. I believe there is a solution that could be implemented sooner. A solution developed by the homeless, the care community, and the agencies that can provide the help. It begins with respectful dialogue between them, building trust, working together and assuming responsibility
Ross Siemens
1. Do you recognize, as the BC Supreme Court and the BC Human Rights Tribunal have, that the DWS is the representative of the rights, needs and aspirations of the most marginalized and vulnerable population in Abbotsford?
I feel that the DWS is one of the important representatives of Abbotsford’s most marginalized and vulnerable citizens.
2. Do you believe an informal resolution process i.e. healing process with the DWS would be more effective than continuing to defend the many, complex and expensive court cases the City is currently engaged in with the DWS and the very individuals who have been most injured by the City’s actions and excluded from all other discussions about them?
Yes, I believe that having open and honest discussions would be a positive step forward.
3. Do you believe that the Abbotsford Police Department strategy of displacing and dispersing the homeless is either effective or appropriate?
I believe that the police are following orders from the city to enforce current bylaws.
4. Do you agree with the City of Abbotsford’s Crime Prevention Plan which states that drug use, drug possession, and drug dealing are directly related to organized crime?
I partially agree. Dealing drugs, as a general rule, is linked to organized crime.
5. Is a solution to homelessness in Abbotsford even possible without dealing with the needs of the 60 -80 percent of the homeless population which self identifies as drug addicts and users?
No. Any solution requires a comprehensive understanding of drug addiction.
6. Would you support an academic study, performed by world class authorities on marginalized people and homelessness in Abbotsford in order to come up with new directions and solutions?
Yes, I believe that an academic study would be helpful.
Karen Young
1. Do you recognize, as the BC Supreme Court and the BC Human Rights Tribunal have, that the DWS is the representative of the rights, needs and aspirations of the most marginalized and vulnerable population in Abbotsford?
a. There are many marginalized and vulnerable people in Abbotsford who are characterized in many ways. Just to speak of homelessness (and there are other categories), there are: Youth, women and families, working poor, seniors. There are people who live in substandard and unsecured situations. People who are living in their cars, sometimes with children. People who are “sofa surfing”. People who feel trapped in abusive situations. And people who are utterly homeless and living on the streets, some of whom have gathered as an entity. The DWS represents this latter segment of Abbotsford’s marginalized and homeless.
2. Do you believe an informal resolution process i.e. healing process with the DWS would be more effective than continuing to defend the many, complex and expensive court cases the City is currently engaged in with the DWS and the very individuals who have been most injured by the City’s actions and excluded from all other discussions about them?
a. I can’t comment on an ongoing legal action.
b. Speaking very generally about resolving issues, yes, solutions found outside of legal action characterized by respectful and open communication on both sides are preferable.
3. Do you believe that the Abbotsford Police Department strategy of displacing and dispersing the homeless is either effective or appropriate?
a. Without laying this at the door of the Abbotsford Police or any other individual or group in this survey, any strategy of displacing and dispersing homeless people without dignity, and without communication with individuals about how to meet their basic human needs (ie, housing), and the offer of help to do so, is inappropriate and ineffective.
4. Do you agree with the City of Abbotsford’s Crime Prevention Plan which states that drug use, drug possession, and drug dealing are directly related to organized crime?
a. Not a black and white question, nor is the answer.
i. Is there a link between organized crime and the drug trade? Certainly.
ii. Is everyone who uses drugs involved in organized crime? No.
iii. Are “recreational drug” users/sellers at higher risk of becoming involved in organized crime than a general population of non recreational drug users? I believe so, yes.
5. Is a solution to homelessness in Abbotsford even possible without dealing with the needs of the 60 -80 percent of the homeless population which self identifies as drug addicts and users?
a. Addiction and drug use are identified by the Ministry of Health Services as health related issues, as is mental health, all of which impact the wellbeing and general physical health of an individual. For a self-identified drug user and addict to become, or remain healthy, this must be acknowledged and dealt with, yes.
i. There are various ways to address the needs of people who are self-identified addicts or “problematic substance users”.
6. Would you support an academic study, performed by world class authorities on marginalized people and homelessness in Abbotsford in order to come up with new directions and solutions?
a. From a public standpoint: Many studies have already been successfully undertaken, both here, and internationally. The results have been studied. Effective solutions have been found. It is time for us to take action to help Abbotsford’s marginalized and homeless people. Homelessness is a multi-faceted issue, which requires many solutions. Health care, affordable housing, appropriate housing to the needs of the individual or family. Time to start.
Ken Wushke
Questions on Homelessness in Abbotsford
1. Do you recognize, as the BC Supreme Court and the BC Human Rights Tribunal have, that the DWS is the representative of the rights, needs and aspirations of the most marginalized and vulnerable population in Abbotsford?
I do recognize that the DWS is the representative in Abbotsford for the homeless community.
2. Do you believe an informal resolution process i.e. healing process with the DWS would be more effective than continuing to defend the many, complex and expensive court cases the City is currently engaged in with the DWS and the very individuals who have been most injured by the City’s actions and excluded from all other discussions about them?
I feel that instead of having a court case the City of Abbotsford should invite the DWS and others in the homeless community to a committee. Then this committee works together for finding potential solutions to help homeless persons regain dignity through developing programs that can help them move forward.
3. Do you believe that the Abbotsford Police Department strategy of displacing and dispersing the homeless is either effective or appropriate?
By constantly breaking up homeless camps and asking homeless persons to move on is not effective. I believe the City of Abbotsford and the homeless community must work together to develop a strategy that can provide long term solutions.
4. Do you agree with the City of Abbotsford’s Crime Prevention Plan which states that drug use, drug possession, and drug dealing are directly related to organized crime?
I view drug use as a health issue and not a criminal issue. Many people are addicted to illegal drugs just as alcoholics are addicted to alcohol. The people who have an addiction to drugs need medical assistance and counselling to help work through the addiction. As to drug dealing I see most illegal drugs in Canada are linked to organized crime. Our community needs to focus the police on drug dealing as a criminal activity. While drug addiction is best dealt with a medical issue.
5. Is a solution to homelessness in Abbotsford even possible without dealing with the needs of the 60 -80 percent of the homeless population which self identifies as drug addicts and users?
The only way we can deal with homelessness is by working directly with persons who are homeless. This approach must be taken from the beginning. Those that are homeless need to be consulted at every step of the way. In addition, the homeless community needs representation on a civic committee that addresses homelessness in Abbotsford.
6. Would you support an academic study, performed by world class authorities on marginalized people and homelessness in Abbotsford in order to come up with new directions and solutions?
Yes, I would.