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Canadian Government Kickin Ass-Takin Names: Ports

by Barry ORegan | April 11, 2009 at 02:39 am

164 views | 22 Recommendations | 6 comments

Barry Artiste Op/Ed

It's about time the Conservative Government decided to kick ass and taking names in what is belived for decades our ports are rife with organized crime, everything from drugs to illegal immigration. It will be interesting to see which Politicians and Unions oppose this crime fighting move, of course it may give insight on those opponents on which side their bread is buttered on! It has always been rumoured politicians who turn a blind eye, may have more than a political reluctance to stop this. So many obvious unanswered questions.

Oh yeah, highlight tool isn't working again, and I doubt it is my computer as it is new.

Gang crime security crackdown on port and airport workers may affect 100,000 people

By Mike De Souza, Canwest News Service

Tens of thousands of workers at B.C. airports and ports are among 100,000 people nationwide who may be affected by a security crackdown announced by the Conservative government. The initiative comes through a new deal signed this week by the federal Transport Department and the RCMP to weed out organized-crime operatives from restricted areas, Canwest News Service has learned. The agreement would improve information-sharing between the two agencies and allow the RCMP to conduct detailed background checks on employees applying for new security passes or renewals.

The deal is intended to improve the security of both passengers and cargo. Sgt. Shinder Kirk, of B.C.’s Integrated Gang Task Force, said Friday he wasn’t aware of the initiative but applauded any moves to tighten security to prevent illegal cargo from entering or leaving the city.

He noted that Metro Vancouver, as a major port city, is extremely vulnerable because of its connections to Asia, its proximity to the U.S. border and its growing international airport.

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Amy Judd

at 09:43 on April 11th, 2009

I think it's a good idea.

Barry ORegan

at 13:10 on April 11th, 2009

You would think so but the previous government did away with the Ports police as a cost saving measure and hire minimum wage inexperienced security guards from what I hear, hence my questions, once this crime wave gets uncovered, one wonders which prominent names will surface from it.

Karl Gotthardt - albertacowpoke

at 15:05 on April 11th, 2009

Whenever you get rid of a vital service such as the port police as a cost cutting measure it comes back to bite you in the butt. It will now take an all out effort and much more money to weed out what has gone almost unnoticed for years. As to your question which prominent names will surface from it? I think those involved probably covered their tracks. If they didn't they'll have a good excuse. Sometimes it feels like it's the Lords and the peasants, and you and I sure aren't Lords.

eastvanray

at 14:49 on April 12th, 2009

The gangs and their union lackies will find a way around these measures. They have more resources than the police and have more at stake. It is better than doing nothing but until they search all containers and do full background checks on everyone who walks onto the port and denies employment and entry to those who do not pass they will get their shipments in and out.