In response to rising protests, including those at Wet’suwet’en territory and Fairy Creek, the BC government developed a secretive plan to tighten its approach to civil disobedience, raising concerns about transparency and public consultation.
Amanda Follett Hosgood reports for The Tyee.
In short:
- BC’s Civil Disobedience Work Plan was launched after significant protests, aiming to create a new model for managing civil unrest.
- The plan involved government monitoring, communication strategies and the controversial role of the Critical Incident Secretariat.
- Indigenous and civil liberties groups have criticized the lack of public and Indigenous consultation in the planning process.
Key quote:
“From the materials, it seems like they don’t see the public, who engages in protest activity, or civil society groups like ours that are watchdogs for protest rights, as stakeholders in this conversation.”
— Aislin Jackson, policy staff counsel with the BC Civil Liberties Association
Why this matters:
Tightened government response to protests, especially without public consultation, could undermine civil liberties and disproportionately affect Indigenous land defenders. Increased surveillance raises additional concerns about privacy and political expression.
Read more: Land defenders' trial commences in Wet’suwet’en territory
