Listen Live
Listen Live

National Police Federation rejecting pending travel restrictions in BC

The union representing RCMP officers is expressing concerns about the looming travel restrictions between health units starting tomorrow (Friday).

National Police Federation BC Director Rob Farrer says setting up roadblocks from Alberta or between all health regions in the province would put a huge strain on resources.

He added comparing periodic roadblocks to the anti-drinking and driving campaign is a bad idea from the government.

“Impaired driving is clearly an illegal activity and it’s very clear there are measurable devices that can be used to determine impairment and if you are not (impaired) you are free to go. This is going to be based on a judgment call at the side of the road on whether travel is essential or not.”

Farrer added there is a lack of clarity when it comes to enforcement and they don’t want more division created between police and the citizens.

“Normally, when you go through training and you spend your time and you learn that a new change comes out. We get it, this is a pandemic so things change rapidly – when you have the ability to affect people’s civil liberties, we have to be cautious about how we do that.”

“The logistics about what (the enforcement) might look like and who is going to be making the determination on what travel is essential and what is recreational and just the logistics from a resources point of view, we are not sure how that is going to work.”

In addition, setting up roadblocks to check for those not obeying the rules will stretch their thin resources to the brink.

“Having roadblocks from Alberta is a lot different than between all the health regions in the province. You can imagine just the resources required to man and to staff roadblocks at all the main roads and districts all the way until after the May long weekend.”

“Most people will follow these restrictions and most people will listen and we have to continue to work from that angle. We don’t want to create more division between the police and the citizenry.”

“That is never a good outcome,” added Farrer.

Last week, the Ontario government announced similar restrictions but were later rejected by the police.

Something going on in the Prince George area you think people should know about?
Send us a news tip by emailing [email protected].

Brendan Pawliw
Brendan Pawliw
Since moving to Prince George in 2015, Brendan has covered local sports including the WHL’s Prince George Cougars, Prince George Spruce Kings, UNBC Timberwolves, Cariboo Cougars AAA, and Northern Capitals U18 female hockey teams. Career highlights include play-by-play during the Spruce Kings' BCHL championship runs in 2018 and 2019, including the Doyle Cup win. He also covered the 2019 National Junior A Championship, the 2017 Telus Cup, the 2022 World Women’s Curling Championship, and the 2022 BC Summer Games. Brendan is the news voice on 94.3 The Goat and Country 97 FM, reporting on crime, real estate, labour, and environmental issues. Outside of work, he officiates box lacrosse and fastball, sits on the Prince George Sports Hall of Fame board, and co-hosts the Hockey North podcast.

Continue Reading

cjci Now playing play

cirx Now playing play

- Advertisement -

Related Articles

- Advertisement -

Latest News

Student enrollment below projections in SD57’s preliminary report

School District 57 saw a slight drop when it came to its student enrollment, according to its preliminary enrollment report.

Part of Carney Street to be closed Thursday

Some drivers will have to find an alternate route if they take Carney Street tomorrow. (Thursday)Carney Street will be closed to vehicle traffic 2nd Avenue to the River Road and 1st Avenue intersection tomorrow for emergency water utility work. 

Strike notice issued for Regional District employees

More public employees in the Prince George area could be striking soon. As of noon today (Wednesday), CUPE 1699, representing employees of the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George has issued 72-hour strike notice.

PG RCMP on the lookout for 45-year-old wanted man

The Prince George RCMP is asking for the public's help in finding 45-year-old Micheal John Fulton.

Lheidli T’enneh, CNC sign agreement on tuition initiative

The College of New Caledonia and the Lheidli T'enneh First Nation advanced their relationship this morning, signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that will help provide education opportunities to the Nation's members. 
- Advertisement -