----- Original Message -----
From: Heather Pettit
To: Gail.Dawson@gems2.gov.bc.ca
Cc: animaladvocates@telus.net ; Tom.Christiansen.MLA@leg.bc.ca ; Leonard.Krog.MLA@leg.bc.ca ; Bruce.Ralston.MLA@leg.bc.ca
Sent: Thursday, July 14, 2005 1:32 PM
Subject: Anti-SLAPP Legislation

July 14, 2005

Honourable Wally Oppal
Attorney General
Province of British Columbia

Dear Sir:

In 2001 the Liberal government repealed anti-SLAPP legislation introduced by the NDP. I am writing to urge you to reinstate that legislation as soon as possible.

As Attorney General you are responsible for ensuring that every individual in this province is entitled to justice and to freedom of speech and association. Right now, the British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is taking legal action against a volunteer animal welfare organization, the Animal Advocates Society, and its members, in an attempt to muzzle that society's legitimate concerns with BC SPCA policies and management. Thousands and thousands of dollars donated for needy animals by compassionate citizens are being mispent by the BC SPCA simply to suppress awkward questions and constructive criticism.

The BC SPCA is subject to neither the requirements of the Society Act nor to the Freedom of Information Act. Because it is a private society, the Ministry of Agriculture declines to investigate its actions. The Animal Advocates Society provides a venue for animal welfare volunteers like myself to seek answers to questions to which the BC SPCA has declined to respond. They have repeatedly and unsuccessfully asked the BC SPCA to correct any possible errors on their website. The BC SPCA prefers to attempt to ruin them financially.

This is just one example of the abuse of power made possible by this province's lack of anti-Slapp legislation. Please make the reinstatement of that legislation a priority.

Yours truly,
Heather Pettit
Vernon, BC