‘Extremely serious issue’: Federal minister on B.C. RCMP dismissing warnings about women at risk

OTTAWA (NEWS 1130) – Saying more needs to be done to help victims and survivors of gender-based violence, the federal justice minister said he’s concerned Mounties in B.C. have been dismissing social media posts suggesting the attempted abductions of women.

Coquitlam RCMP have apologized for suggesting a viral TikTok video claiming victims are being targeted by someone driving a white wan are only rumours.

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Minister David Lametti said he doesn’t have any direct knowledge of what prompted the response, but efforts are being made to end systemic abuse and violence.

“We need to work much harder to make sure that women feel heard and listened to — and that we do listen, carefully, then deal with creating not just a criminal justice system, but a society in which everyone is treated without fear of sexual violence or harassment and is protected from it,” he said.

Coquitlam RCMP have already apologized for suggesting reports of women being targeted by someone driving a white van may just be rumours.

Lametti says "It's a serious concern. We all have a role to play" and "That concerns me a great deal." #cdnpoli #bcpoli @NEWS1130

— Marcella Bernardo (@MBernardoNews) February 9, 2021

“It’s an extremely serious issue and we have a couple of organizations here that we’re supporting that have firsthand experience with this on the ground. So, I think that is one indication of how serious we do take it,” he added.

Lametti was speaking after promising nearly $900,000 worth of support over three years for survivors of gender-based crimes — including the families of missing and murdered Indigenous women. He added the justice system is not perfect.

“That concerns me a great deal. It’s within the specific mandate of the minister of public safety — Minister (Bill) Blair — to be responsible for policing and I work with my colleagues in order to try to push towards solutions in that regard,” Lametti said.

NEWS 1130 reached out for comment from Public Safety Min. Bill Blair, but members of his staff have twice declined our request. They’ve issued the following statement:

“These questions seem to touch on operational issues for the RCMP and therefore, they would be best placed to respond.”

Mounties in Coquitlam have been criticized of further marginalizing victims already reluctant to report crime for fear of no one believing them.