B.C. Liberals Ignore Farmworkers, Fail to Act on Coroner’s Jury
VICTORIA – Despite numerous recommendations made from the B.C. Coroner’s office in response to the tragic deaths of B.C. farmworkers, the Liberal government refuses to implement changes to legislation that will protect the rights of vulnerable workers, New Democrat labour critic Raj Chouhan said today.
Raj Chouhan
In the legislature on Thursday, Raj Chouhan, the founder of the Canadian Farmworkers Union, slammed the B.C. Liberals for failing to act on the recommendations put forward by the Coroner’s Jury in December 2009. These recommendations would ensure additional protection, including modes of transportation.
Among the 18 recommendations, 16 of which are directed towards the provincial government, there is a call for public inspection of the vehicles used to transport farm workers.
“This weekend marks the third anniversary of the roadside accident that resulted in the deaths of three female farmworkers: Amarjit Kaur Bal, Sarabjit Kaur Sidhu and Sukhwinder Kaur Punia. We should ensure that we take action to prevent tragedy such as this from occurring again,” said Chouhan.
“Three months have passed since these recommendations have been put on the table. We need to see real action from the B.C. Liberals now.”
Carole James and the Raj Chouhan will be attending the candlelight vigil on Sunday to mark the third anniversary of the tragic road-side accident. It will be at Abbotsford City Hall at 4:30 p.m.
- September 8, 2010
- September 7, 2010