Honourable John Les - 2006 Gallery






	NEIGHBOURHOOD STEALTH WEAPON AGAINST CRIME EXPANDS TO VANCOUVER ISLAND November 7, 2006 — Extra pairs of eyes and ears are now helping to accelerate police response times in 12 neighbourhoods on Vancouver Island: Victoria, Saanich, Esquimalt, Langford, Colwood, Sidney, Duncan, Nanaimo, Parskville, Quadra Island, Sayward and Campbell River. The Waste Watch Program allows Waste Management (WM) drivers to report suspicious activities on their regular routes. WM drivers are trained by members of the authorities to recognize these situations and report them to police from their cellular phones or two-way radios. Waste Management’s partnership with local police and RCMP means an enhancement to the safety of our streets. Left to Right: Simon Brown, Waste Management driver; Frank Leonard, Mayor of Saanich; Sandra Herle, Mayor of Parksville, Phil Kent, Mayor of Duncan; Solicitor General John Les. Click here for full-size photo



	NO FREE RIDE FOR AUTO THIEVES September 11, 2006 — ICBC, the provincial government and police are putting auto thieves and their passengers on notice that if they steal a vehicle they will be held financially responsible. Project No Free Ride will focus on recovering costs through civil litigation from auto thieves and deterring auto theft. Those involved in stealing vehicles will be held financially responsible for the entire cost of a theft claim, regardless of whether or not they are charged and convicted criminally of theft or possession of stolen property. ICBC is partnering with the Integrated Municipal Provincial Auto Crime Team (IMPACT), and other police to identify people in possession of stolen vehicles and where appropriate take civil action against them. Click here for full-size photo


	B.C. TO USE BAIT BOATS TO SINK BOAT THEFT July 28, 2006 — Solicitor General John Les launched B.C.'s Bait Boat Program as one more important tool for law enforcement to use to catch thieves. "Thieves are on notice – bait boats are now out there – steal a bait boat, just as with bait cars and other bait vehicles, we will track you and we will catch you." [News release] Click here for full-size photo


	CHINESE ROUNDTABLE On July 5, 2006 — Solicitor General John Les met with leaders of the Chinese community to hear their concerns about community safety. Click here for full-size photo



	SOLICITOR GENERAL ATTENDS JOINT B.C. - WASHINGTON STATE CABINET MEETING June 20, 2006 — Solicitor General John Les took part in meetings between the governments of British Columbia and Washington State. The Solicitor General met with his counterparts from Washington State to discuss issues of mutual concern. Topics that were discussed included: Strategies on preventing trade of Crystal Meth across the border. Border Security and new documentation requirements at border crossings. A joint letter, on behalf of both governments, was signed and sent to the Prime Minister of Canada and President of the United States calling for a delay in the passport requirements to enter the United States. A B.C. - Washington working group will also be established to develop technological solutions that would meet Border security needs and enhance identity documents (driver's licences) already issued by the State and Province. Mutual Assistance in Emergency Management and the co-ordination of resources and support during emergencies. Focus was placed on the many natural hazard concerns, such as cross-border wildfires, that B.C. and Washington State share. The Pacific Northwest Emergency Management Arrangement will work to work to improve coordination of resources and support during emergency situations. It was also proposed that annual summit meetings, between both jurisdictions, be held in order to resolve issues of mutual interest. [News release] Click here for full-size photo



	BAIT CARS TAKE ANOTHER BITE OUT OF AUTO CRIME June 8, 2006 — Solicitor General John Les, accompanied by MLA Surrey-Tynehead Dave Hayer and Cpl. Tim Shields of the Integrated Municipal Provincial Auto Crime Team, announced that British Columbia's innovative bait car program continues to exceed expectations with auto crime dropping across the province yet again, making B.C. roads and communities safer. “Already, the numbers for the first quarter of 2006 are comparable to the reductions we saw for all of 2005,” said Les. “There has been a 10 per cent drop in the Lower Mainland and a seven per cent drop provincewide.” [News release] Click here for full-size photo


	NEW CENTRE FOR NON-PROFIT DEVELOPMENT Solicitor General John Les and Skip Bassford, president of the University College of the Fraser Valley, took part in the launch of the new B.C. Centre for Non-profit Development on June 6, 2006. The centre is a comprehensive resource centre and source of training programs for those interested in starting a non-profit agency, and those already working in the sector. "Whether we are talking about vital social services, enriching arts and culture, or any of a myriad of other areas in which this sector plays a key role, the work of the non-profit organizations makes all the difference," Les said. "By supporting the establishment of this centre, our government is recognizing the value of non-profit organizations and taking tangible action to help them flourish." [News release] Click here for full-size photo


	BRITISH COLUMBIA DECLARES GUN AMNESTY June 1 to 30, 2006 — British Columbia’s police departments hope to make homes across the province safer by declaring a provincewide gun amnesty this June. With the co-operation and assistance of the ministries of the Solicitor General and the Attorney General, B.C.’s police departments will run the program from June 1 to June 30. The amnesty gives residents of B.C. who possess documented or undocumented weapons that have not been used in a criminal offence the opportunity to turn in guns and ammunition to their local police force without being charged. [News release] Click here for full-size photo


	Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General John Les, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Stockwell Day, and Speaker of the House Bill Barisoff, watch a wildfire preparedness demonstration in Penticton on May 25, 2006. A controlled burn was set and extinguished by emergency workers led by the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen. [News release] Click here for full-size photo



	WELCOME TO THE 1950s The eligibility criteria for modified collector cars has been expanded from 1948 to 1958 models, allowing a larger pool of vehicles to qualify for the collector vehicle program, providing unique licence plates and lower insurance premiums. Originally, the collector vehicle program only applied to vehicles, 25 years or older, that had been restored and maintained in original, pristine condition. A few years ago the collector program was expanded to include modified vehicles built in 1948 or earlier, capturing the Hot Rod era. Now the program will recognize the Custom Car era of the 50s. Solicitor General John Les remarked at the event held at the Legislative Buildings, "The beautiful machines here today are the historic icons of an amazing era. ... so it is with pleasure I am announcing this expansion. It means that car hobbyists will now have a much greater number of project cars available to them, and will provide economic benefits to the whole collector car industry." [News release] Click here for full-size photo



	Preparing for an emergency is one of the most important contributions British Columbians can make to public safety. And it is something every B.C. family should think about during Emergency Preparedness Week, May 7th to 13th. For example, if a disaster strikes your kids will need to know how to find you. Does their school have an emergency plan? And do all your family members have a phone number of a friend or relative – preferably out of province – so that you can call and find each other in an emergency? Most importantly, Solicitor General John Les urges you to make sure you and your family are prepared to take care of yourselves for the first 72 hours after an emergency by having a having a household emergency plan in place. It can save lives. [News release] Click here for full-size photo




	Solicitor General John Les has designated 2006 to be "Year of the Working Dog" to recognize the invaluable service working dogs provide to B.C. citizens on a daily basis. Guide dogs, assistance dogs, therapy dogs and the like provide companionship and enhanced independence to many people so they may lead fuller lives. Police dogs, guard dogs, military dogs, search and rescue dogs and dogs trained to detect drugs and explosives work in dangerous situations, often putting their safety on the line. "They do this without complaint, remaining loyal and loving companions throughout," said Les. "They are more than just pets, they are trained professionals, ready to do a job." Click here for full-size photo

	MLA John Nuraney and Solicitor General John Les. Click here for full-size photo

	Fire Commissioner David Hodgins, St. John Ambulance therapy dog volunteers with dogs are Haley and Pepe. Click here for full-size photo

	"Year of the Working Dog". Click here for full-size photo



	In April 2006, Victims of Crime Week was proclaimed for the first time in B.C. by Solicitor General John Les. As part of the week's events, the Solicitor General attended a ceremony held at the Justice Institute of B.C. for the first 50 graduates (photo) of the new, accredited Victim Service Practitioner Training Certificate Program. The college level program, the first of its kind in North America, ensures that workers providing services to victims of crime are fully trained in advanced crisis intervention skills, including supporting victims of violence and helping them access the justice system. The Solicitor General also presented Abbotsford Community Services with a government grant for $50-thousand to support an innovative victim outreach integration pilot project that will allow better access to information between income assistance offices and victim services programs. The grant is part of $1.3 million being provided to 30 community-based initiatives in the province to help prevent the sexual exploitation of women, children and youth. [News release] Click here for full-size photo



	Solicitor General John Les attended a symposium in Prince George organized by the Lheidli T'enneh Nation – bringing together First Nations and community organizations to promote dialogue on how to end disappearances and murders of women along Highway 16. The Province will provide $50,000 to help support recommendations from the symposium. "These tragic deaths have shocked and saddened people across the province," Les said. "A targeted police team will help ensure that we have the resources and tools to find out what happened to these women so that justice is done and the communities can start to heal." [News release] Click here for full-size photo



	Solicitor General John Les presented Hope Search and Rescue team with $75,000 to help cover replacement costs of safety equipment stolen in January. As one of the busiest road rescue groups in the province, the money will ensure they are able to continue to respond to emergencies - from serious car accidents to looking for missing hikers. [News release] Click here for full-size photo Solicitor General John Les presents $75,000 cheque to Hope Search and Rescue Team president Rod Mudie, then suits up to try out the rescue equipment.







	Solicitor General John Les unveiled BC’s first fully equipped traffic safety helicopter. “Air One” will serve the Lower Mainland, and help police spot dangerous drivers, track stolen vehicles and reduce the risk of high-speed chases. [News release] Click here for full-size photo





	Names: Left to Right: Assistant Commissioner Al Macintyre, Lower Mainland District Officer Valerie Roddick, MLA Delta South Joan McIntyre, MLA West Vancouver-Garibaldi Olga Illich, Minister of Tourism, SPorts and Art, MLA Richmond Centre Solicitor General John Les John Yap MLA Richmond-Steveston Chief Constable Jamie Graham, Vancouver Police Department Edouard Gaillat, President of Eurocopter Click here for full-size photo



	Solicitor General John Les and pilot. Click here for full-size photo





	On February 6, 2006, Solicitor General John Les flew over the South Delta region to witness the damage done to the dykes by a day of unusually high tide and winds more than 80 km-an-hour – culminating in flood damage to some 200 homes in the area. During a follow-up meeting with Delta officials, the Solicitor General promised financial aid to affected homeowners. [Read more] Photo: Ian Radnidge, Director of Engineering, Solicitor General John Les, Mayor Lois Jackson and Val Roddick. Click here for full-size photo





	The Solicitor General is conducting informational forums on Crystal Meth in several centres across the province. Presenters speak on the scope of methamphetamine use and production in the province and outline the drug's health effects and risk. Local civic officials, health authority representatives and police are on hand to answer questions. To read more about the ministry's Crystal Meth Secretariat and future forums, please visit the Crystal Meth website. Photo: Solicitor General making a presentation at a Crystal Meth Forum held in Prince George on February 2nd, 2006. Click here for full-size photo



	February is Auto Theft Awareness month — Solicitor General John Les met with the Bait Car program reps in Prince George to help promote Auto Awareness month, February 2006. The Bait Car program is funded through the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General and supported by ICBC. Visit website www.baitcar.com to see, first hand, how effective bait cars have been. Click here for full-size photo



	On February 2, 2006, Solicitor General John Les met with officials of the Integrated Road Safety Unit in Prince George, along with Shirley Bond, MLA Prince George-Mount Robson and Minister of Education, Deputy Premier and Minister Responsible for Early Learning and Literacy. Click here for full-size photo