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April 12, 2006

BC proposes changes to help municipalities shut down marijuana grow ops

A pilot project targeting Surrey grow ops last year has led to proposed amendments to the Safety Standards Act that, if passed, will give BC municipalities the power to identify and shut down marijuana grow ops in residential neighbourhoods through the tracking of unusual patterns of electricity use. The initiative is aimed at reducing fire hazards posed by improper electrical conditions. However, the proposed amendments also raise issues related to privacy and search warrants, specifically whether the changes will dilute current protections in place against unlawful searches. Click here for a recent CBC story including an interview with Surrey Fire Chief, Len Garis and the President of the BC Freedom of Information and Privacy Association, Richard Rosenberg.

Bill 25: Safety Standards Amendment Act, 2006

Press release on proposed amendments to the Safety Standards Act.

Posted by BCCLB at April 12, 2006 11:33 PM