Vancouver – Today the B.C. Court of Appeal struck down provisions of a provincial law, British Columbia’s Safety Standards Act, that allow municipal electrical and fire inspectors to demand entry into anyone’s home to do an electrical safety inspection if they suspect the home is being used for marijuana-growing. The Court ruled that the provisions that authorize warrantless entry and inspection of homes violate section 8 of the Charter, the right to be secure against unreasonable search and seizure. The case, Arkinstall et al v. Surrey et al, was brought by residents of Surrey.
The B.C. Civil Liberties Association intervened in the case and was represented by Brent Olthuis of Hunter Litigation Chambers.
What: BCCLA comment on BC Court of Appeal decision in Arkinstall et al v. Surrey et al
When: Decision released Thursday, May 20, 2010. Comment available.
MEDIA CONTACTS
Grace Pastine, BCCLA Litigation Director: (778) 241-7183, [email protected]
Rob Holmes, BCCLA President: (604) 681-1310