B.C. Liberals Fail Indo-Canadian Vets Seeking Justice
VANCOUVER – The B.C. Liberal government has failed British Columbians seeking justice in discrimination cases, in particular Indo-Canadian veterinarians, by not renewing the appointment of B.C. Human Rights Tribunal chair, say the New Democrats. 
Leonard Krog
Since 1997, allegations of racial discrimination against the Indo-Canadian veterinarians have been under investigation. The Indo-Canadian vets have spent 200 days in court and thousands of dollars in legal fees and now, B.C. Attorney General Mike De Jong has decided against reappointing the current chair of the Human Rights Tribunal, forcing her to adjourn proceedings, with no sure promise of continuation. 
Harry Bains
“The B.C. Liberals owe the Indo-Canadian veterinarians a fair hearing to examine allegations of discrimination,” said MLA Leonard Krog, New Democrat attorney general critic. “They have put their faith in the system, and it has failed them. Mike De Jong has to act.”
The New Democrats are urging the B.C. Liberal government to ensure that this proceeding is completed in a timely fashion. The office of the attorney general can implement either Section 6 or 7 of the Administrative Tribunals Act and extend the current chair’s appointment by six months, or simply allow her to continue exercising her powers until a final decision is made in the Indo-Canadian veterinarians’ investigation.
“The Act empowers the Human Rights Tribunal chair to take these actions, but the government has yet to appoint a new chair to the Human Rights Tribunal,” said Harry Bains, MLA for Surrey-Newton. 
Raj Chouhan
“The Indo-Canadian veterinarians deserve justice,” said Raj Chouhan, MLA for Burnaby-Edmonds. “It’s time for the B.C. Liberals to stop undermining our justice system. The government has an obligation ensure citizens’ rights are protected."
“Not only have the B.C. Liberals failed to provide the public an adequate mode of investigating serious claims of discrimination, but the office of the attorney general has also failed the public with a lengthy delay in appointing a new provincial court chief and rural judges,” said Krog.
Carole James and the New Democrats have been holding the B.C. Liberals accountable for breaking their word on the HST, and for backtracking on their election promises to protect health care, education, and other vital services.
