APC Press Release on attack and corporate media accounts.

Although the APC statement refers to militants gaining access to the office, they were blocked by office staff and instead threw paint on the windows.

Statement from Anti-Poverty Committee, Feb 22, 2008: Gordon Campbell's Office Attacked by APC

On Thursday at 1:30 p.m. the office of Gordon Campbell was attacked by members of the Anti-Poverty Committee.

Gallons of paint in the colors of the Olympic rings where thrown throughout the office, both inside and out. No one was arrested.

The demands were pasted to the window, calling for the budget surplus to be spent on social housing, rent reparations, community centers, and
tuition.

The Anti-Poverty Committee has recently announced, following the defacement of the Olympic clock, an escalating campaign targeting the
Liberals and Olympic organizers. The protesters vow that more actions have been organized and will be carried out over the next few weeks.

Video footage of the action was taken by activists on site and is making the rounds threw corparate media.

UNITED WE WILL WIN!

B.C. premier slams poverty activists for paint incident

Last Updated: Friday, February 22, 2008 | 5:32 PM ET CBC News

British Columbia Premier Gordon Campbell fired back Friday at the anti-poverty activists who threw paint at the windows of his Vancouver constituency office.

Campbell said the activists were engaging in public bullying by dousing the office windows with red, yellow and green latex paint on Thursday afternoon.

He also said they stand for nothing except a desire to draw attention to themselves.

"Frankly, this is about seeing their faces on television,'' Campbell told reporters, when asked for his views on the incident.

Campbell said his first concern was for the welfare of his constituency office staff.

"I think the activists should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.''

The Anti-Poverty Committee (APC) was quick to claim responsibility Thursday afternoon for putting paint on Campbell's office on 3615 West 4th Avenue.

Police said there were no injuries in the incident and no arrests were made.

Charges possible after premier's Vancouver office vandalized

Anti-Poverty Committee has claimed responsibility
Last Updated: Friday, February 22, 2008 | 12:35 AM ET CBC News

Anti-poverty activists threw red, yellow and green latex paint on the outside windows of Premier Gordon Campbell's constituency office in Vancouver Thursday afternoon.

Vancouver Police Department spokeswoman Const. Jana McGuinness said the vandals left before police arrived but officers have interviewed witnesses.

"Just after 2 p.m. a group of people attended the premier's office … and threw paint on the exterior of the building," she said.

"This is a criminal charge. This is mischief, so if charges are warranted we'll definitely be laying charges."

Police said there were no injuries in the incident and no arrests were made.

The Anti-Poverty Committee (APC) was quick to claim responsibility Thursday afternoon for vandalizing Campbell's office on 3615 West 4th Avenue.

At least four APC members in masks and coveralls tried to break into the office, said Attorney General Wally Oppal. They got a foot in the door, frightened staff and sprayed paint around, he said.

"It's disturbing when you have people like these, who are continually intimidating law-abiding citizens and I think the public is getting sick and tired of this group," Oppal told CBC News, referring to the protesters as louts.

Solicitor General John Les called the protesters' actions reprehensible.

Lack of social housing prompted protest: APC
David Cunningham, an APC organizer, told CBC News the action was prompted by the lack of funding for social housing in Tuesday's provincial budget.

"This was done in protest of the recently announced budget — a budget that has billions of dollars compounded in surplus at the expense of poor people's lives," Cunningham said.
"We did this to express our anger and to really bang away at our demands that the surplus be spent immediately on decent housing — not purchasing hotels, but building decent social housing."

Premier's office splattered with paint

By Jack Keating and David Carrigg, The Province
Published: Thursday, February 21, 2008

Vancouver police vowed Thursday to track down and charge the culprits who splattered paint on Premier Gordon Campbell's Point Grey constituency office.

"A group may take this action and think it's funny, or think they want to make a statement. But this is, bottom line, a criminal act," said police spokeswoman Const. Jana McGuinness. She said police will press for mischief charges against all those identified as being responsible for the paint attack.

Attorney-General Wally Oppal described the attackers as "acting like thugs," adding: "We encourage peaceful protest, but they are intimidating people. It's very, very disturbing and it's upsetting that these people are terrorizing people by doing this."

The Anti-Poverty Committee immediately claimed responsibility for the attack, in which anti-Olympics militants hurled cans of yellow, green and red paint - three of the five colours of the Olympic rings - at the window and door of Campbell's West 4th Avenue office.

APC spokesman David Cunningham said the attack was carried out by three committee members wearing paint suits and paint masks and a fourth carrying a digital camera.

He said the paint colours were chosen to "symbolize the contradictions between the B.C. Liberals and their surplus of billions of dollars, the millions they are spending on the Olympics and the thousands of people sleeping out in the streets every night."

Two constituency assistants, Peter Marsh and Jessica O'Connor, were in Campbell's office at the time of the paint-bomb attack.

"It's somewhat intimidating," said Marsh, who blocked the protesters from entering the office. "I was a walking barrier to them, and I managed to close and lock the door."

Passersby were not impressed by the paint-throwing spree.

"It's pretty childish," scoffed Chris Mallalue. "It doesn't really solve any problems or get the point across in the proper manner."

Stefan Gollasch said: "I think it's obviously a sign that people are not satisfied with how things are run. But it's not right to damage other people's property."

The paint was removed by a window cleaner within two hours.

The APC has staged several protests against the Olympics, including paint-bombing the Olympics clock in downtown Vancouver and interrupting an outdoor Olympics promotion event.

APC activists also trashed the premier's downtown office last year.

Cunningham said the APC will continue its campaign against the Liberals and Olympics organizers until the government commits to spend an estimated $2-billion budget surplus on social housing.

APC leaflets left at the door of Campbell's office were seized by police as evidence.

COMMENTS ON THIS STORY
Posted Province website

Barb
Thu, Feb 21, 08 at 11:35 PM
I don't have a dime to spare...we own a home, 2 cars to get to and from school/work and 2 kids in school (not within walking distance to our home), we are in the hole pay check to pay check, we don't support the Olympics in any way, but come on destroying property and intimidation is not the way to go. I agree childish! ( gee where is the money to clean this up going to come from? Taxpayers) Oh ya...you don't pay taxes! Thanks!

Jeff
Fri, Feb 22, 08 at 12:25 AM
Mischevoius misdemeanour....Kids stuff....How come real crime does'nt get this type of Police attention? ....Sad

Jeff
Fri, Feb 22, 08 at 12:28 AM
Gordo driving drunk gets my attention a little more than paintball. Who is the real criminal?

Mr Long Arm
Fri, Feb 22, 08 at 12:36 AM
l believe these actions to be entirely appropiate versus the tax thieving, looting liberals. The provincial government has a monoply on everything that makes money. auto insurance, gambling, healthcare, hydro, gas, ahhh the list goes on. We never agreed to all these cost over runs. We should be voting on every tax increase and public project. The government does not understand the word NO. Yet they let all these murders continue and crime to run rampant. When all those tourists come for the Olympics , every thief in Canada waitng here to to rob, steal, rape , pillage, assualt and just outright rip them off. You know why - there is NO DETERRENT. This Liberal government can't say know. We know they won't protect anybody then, cause they will not spend the money now. Come on lets get some honest governing going on in this province. Stop beating the the poor, Stop beating the middle class. Just stop period. Campbell needs to resign. Its blatant he has filled his friends pockets with our money. Mr. LA

Pete
Fri, Feb 22, 08 at 12:36 AM
Although the APC has good intentions...don't they realize that to clean up the mess that they create, to police the demonstrations they hold...it all comes out of tax payers money....so they are wasting tax payers money that could techincally go towards what they are fight for, but instead the money has to be spent cleaning up their mess.....this is all technically speaking....

abdul wagner
Fri, Feb 22, 08 at 12:40 AM
yes its criminal. yes its illegal. but its only a little illegal. compared to the life shattering LEGAL carnage that Vancouver/Provincial officials have created in ditching the low income/homeless and creating an elitist Olympic wonderland for their rich corporate cronies to play it.

VancouverDave
Fri, Feb 22, 08 at 12:41 AM
Wow, you sure have the tsk-tskers lined up for this story. There are only two things that will influence government: money and violent protest. I don't see any news articles concerning the peaceful protest that also occurred in Vancouver today; since these people clearly do not have enough money to influence even city government, much less provincial, how would you suggest that they get their message to the public (for those of you with short memories, please do try to remember that I've already mentioned the problem with peaceful protest).

Kevin
Fri, Feb 22, 08 at 12:46 AM
The APC consists of nothing but a bunch of thugs who misuse the real issues of the day to stage their continual childish pranks. They are no more advocates for social betterment than George Bush is an advocate for gay rights.

Terry
Fri, Feb 22, 08 at 01:07 AM
How much would you bet that if these APC jerks were punished by cutting off their welfare payments, these ridiculous acts of vandalism would cease immediately?

Adam
Fri, Feb 22, 08 at 01:12 AM
So they want 2B for public housing? ..... Just so they can trash it, and ask for more. How much money was wasted already? The rule should be... you work, we help you. You just want it..... move to some warmer climate,

Sandy
Fri, Feb 22, 08 at 01:13 AM
Shame on them. My tax dollars can be better spent than by cleaning up the messes they make. I would hope they get some jail time.

Gord
Fri, Feb 22, 08 at 01:24 AM
Forget the rhetoric on both sides of this incident. It's simple: the so called Anti- Poverty cretins continue to break the law and should be caught and prosecuted. When we start "justifying" criminal acts, the rule of law is threatened. As an aside, I do not support the Olympics, nor am I a fan of Gordon Campbell.

1/2 man George
Fri, Feb 22, 08 at 01:34 AM
Sad but true , it is the only way to get the liberal party s attention . Electing MLA s does nothing , campbell ignores them too .

sicntired
Fri, Feb 22, 08 at 01:35 AM
The paper printed a quote by Tommy Douglas that stated history could be changed by a small group dedicated to a cause.So it was,so it is,so it always should be.Before these people were on the scene.There was no will in government to make any changes.They are often rude and obnoxious.The people they are trying to reach ignore every one else.I think they are necessary.

Tony
Fri, Feb 22, 08 at 02:00 AM
It's pretty hard to support a group of petty criminals. If you spent the same amount of time going out and getting jobs, you wouldn't need to continue committing these ridiculous acts. I would love to live in Vancouver, but I cannot afford it, so I got a job elsewhere and moved out of town. The APC and their followers feel entitled to get low-cost or free housing. There are so many jobs available these days, you just may have to move out of town to get them. I am tired of hearing about the APC.

clive
Fri, Feb 22, 08 at 02:03 AM
good job apc power to the real people

christian
Fri, Feb 22, 08 at 02:27 AM
These guys are pathetic. I believe in giving people a hand up not a hand out. How about helping out in the labour shortage and making some money like the rest of us. Loved the interview with that idiot leader on the Team 1040. I'm sorry I refuse to help and support people who want everything given to them for free. Let's start the anti-anti-poverty committee. That would be worth while.

Robert Wilson
Fri, Feb 22, 08 at 02:58 AM
How can I possibly support a group that acts in such a barbaric way. I've heard the term "thugs" used to decribe the APC and surely this describes those responsible. Perhaps if these individuals spent as much time searching for work as they do damaging property they might actually be able to appreciate home ownership.

sean orr
Fri, Feb 22, 08 at 03:06 AM
Another quote, this time from Frederick Douglass: "Where justice is denied, where poverty is enforced, where ignorance prevails, and where any one class is made to feel that society is in an organized conspiracy to oppress, rob, and degrade them, neither persons nor property will be safe".

Harry
Fri, Feb 22, 08 at 04:35 AM
What are the APV accomplishing.Instead of wasting your time why don't you guys just get a job.That paint must've costed money, the claen-up is going to cost tax payer's money, there are other way's to prove your point. Go get jobs and pay for the clean-up.

Harry
Fri, Feb 22, 08 at 04:39 AM
If thiis is okay and they don't get punished, i am going to quit my job and I want to live free too.

S
Fri, Feb 22, 08 at 05:16 AM
What good does petty vandalism do? As was said before the cleanup job is coming from those of us that work hard for our money and pay our taxes. We're all anti-poverty, but some of us (and I make WELL below the national so-called average so that puts me in the poverty level according to statistics) have jobs, support ourselves and would rather write letters than stoop to the level of street thugs, which is all they are. And I definitely do NOT support the Olympics being held in our province. There are a very few that are going to benefit from it and the majority of us are going to suffer for a long, long time trying to get the massive bills paid off through our taxes. What's that saying? Only the rich get richer? The Olympics is one sure-fire way of proving that!

Brian
Fri, Feb 22, 08 at 06:33 AM
Well you have to hand it to the APC - they really have a talent for getting a whole bunch of free publicity for what amounts to juvenial acting out (temper tampers anyone?) I can't believe the media is wasting time and energy on this group of hooligans! We should be paying attention to those who are truly working to eradict poverty - not this group of thugs!

Andrew
Fri, Feb 22, 08 at 07:01 AM
How many times does the APC have to pull these stunts before they are actually held accountable for their actions?? This is not the way you get your message across!

raul
Fri, Feb 22, 08 at 07:30 AM
no, they are lazy people!

bill mosengrazen
Fri, Feb 22, 08 at 07:31 AM
keep up the good work

Gerry Jones
Fri, Feb 22, 08 at 07:59 AM
GET A REAL JOB!

S. Klassen
Fri, Feb 22, 08 at 08:04 AM
Why don't those bums just go to work and donate their income to the cause? They are no-good hoodlums and need to be held accountable for their actions.

Gordon Anderson
Fri, Feb 22, 08 at 08:21 AM
NO, I DO NOT support a pack of wanna be terrorists (APC). If they have the time to harass, threaten and intimidate people, they have the time to get off their useless asses and get a job. Yes I agree that homelessness and poverty are big problems but pulling this B.S. every time they don't get their way, IS NOT the way to get support. If it was my business that was targeted by these "thugs" I'd have no qualms about whipping out a 12 gauge and taking care of the m myself.

reality
Fri, Feb 22, 08 at 08:33 AM
Get the low lives off the streets get them to do something constructive in life there a bunch of losers end of story!!!!!

B.C. Voter
Fri, Feb 22, 08 at 08:40 AM
I don't support vandalism, but when you have a government that doesn't listen to the voting public, how else do you get their attention? It only seems this government hears when it wants to. Selective hearing I say.

concerned
Fri, Feb 22, 08 at 08:44 AM
One organization that gets too much press. They should be ignored. They are absolutely useless.

Wally
Fri, Feb 22, 08 at 08:50 AM
100% Tony. Nothing but a group of petty criminals. Anarchists. Good story about these supposed homeless nobs, I was having lunch with a friend last month, he owns his own business. In front of the restaurant is a guy with a sign saying he's homeless, no job etc. My friend is always looking for people to work $18/hour. So he gave the guy his card and told him if he showed up at 8AM he was on. The guy told him to F off. I am in total favour of the Olympics, the economic boost to the city etc will be great. And to these vandals who want free housing I hope you get your free housing in the crowbar hotel.

Mike
Fri, Feb 22, 08 at 09:27 AM
The APC is now organized crime. They should all be arrested. The next time the APC stages a demonstration the dogs and riot squad should be deployed. enough is enough.

Don
Fri, Feb 22, 08 at 09:28 AM
The APC do not deserve anyones support. They are only vandals.

Bill
Fri, Feb 22, 08 at 09:32 AM
They waste the taxpayers $$ And destroy things they are an embarassment to BC. They should be arressted and put in jail.. The attention they draw is negitive towards them.. If I was spray painting a building and got caught I would be arrested, If you jaywalk you get a ticket.. Why not them???

JER
Fri, Feb 22, 08 at 09:40 AM
I Just wonder how these people get time off work to protest and commit crimes like this... oh wait... never mind.

Lance
Fri, Feb 22, 08 at 09:46 AM
No one lives in poverty in BC except by choice. If you do not have a job, move to where there is one like many, many other people do. APC is a part of the problem, not the solution.

Al
Fri, Feb 22, 08 at 10:06 AM
That Cunningham creep should have his skinny A-- thrown in jail...I'm getting tired of seeing his rotten teeh on T.V. If the courts won't deal with that pile of crap........I WILL !!!

pvvvd
Fri, Feb 22, 08 at 10:07 AM
well I guess Iam not suprised, My husband and I both work full time we dont have a dime to spare. Why dont these APC put their energy in working and start from there to improve their situation. now my tax dollars need to clean it up, are you really sending your message to the government. NO just to us hard working folks trying to get by.

CityGal
Fri, Feb 22, 08 at 10:09 AM
THanks a lot APC - more tax payer money will have to go to clean up what you did. People, realize it they (gov) will never see poverty as an issue until it takes up residence in their back yard and even then, they will ignore it! The Olympics are happening, GET OVER IT ALREADY! THink about it this way, for years we heard nothing but how there wasn't enough money to help the needy in this province and country yet when the Olympics came the flood gates opened and the money river came flowing out. Why might you ask? Well, the Olympics will have a long term revenue impact on this city and province, the poor don't. They were never going to turn this money over to help the poor, if it wasn't the Olympics it would have been something else. Instead of targeting places that will cost we the tax payer more why don't you go protest outside VANOC's offices on Graveley Street, start asking questions why the CEO and Executives over there get to drive around in in-kind vehicles for free from GM as well as why they get their gas for free from Petro Canada (and by Free I mean instead of using that in-kind service for the games and the needs of the committee they are using it to drive to and from work everyday and of course for their personal use). Why don't you organize fundraising events instead of destroying public property? I am so very tired of hearing about the APC and their methods that I tune out now when people bring up the poverty in this city. All you are going to do is drive people away and end up costing the people who are out there working for a living more. You want something done, be a contributor to society! At least start there.

Jerry
Fri, Feb 22, 08 at 10:12 AM
Well the group DID want to make a statement. They did. But it only gave the media something to talk about and a window washer some work. I, myself do not support this idea of spending billions of dollars that will only go into a less than 3% pocket in the end (remember Expo 86?). But doing abstract art on the Premier's office's window is not going to win too many brownie points either of positive support for this group's political stand against the Olympics. But they DID get the notice in the media. Maybe some good will come of this. (It would be nice for a change if it did).

Don L
Fri, Feb 22, 08 at 10:13 AM
Lock the bums up

Al
Fri, Feb 22, 08 at 10:19 AM
I guess you sum it up this way. there is always the group that wants something for nothing. The more social housing you build the more of these people will come. Building social housing is not the answer. Stop all the bums coming here from other provinces. They don not contribute to the betterment of Vancouver. They want the nice weather and do drugs. Get a job, there are lots around.

Shannon
Fri, Feb 22, 08 at 10:19 AM
How does the APC expected to be taken seriously by the average person when it is our tax dollars that are going to have to fix the damage they cause. Every dollar it costs to fix what they destroy is another dollar to be taken away from the homeless and just angers people and people won't take the APC seriously.

Ralph
Fri, Feb 22, 08 at 10:30 AM
The people should do like the French and riot in the street. Now the French Government is to scared to do anything stupid. I moved to the East last year because of the way things are going in BC and now I have money in my pocket. I may even move back once Campbell is gone. Gordo is no good.

Adrian Smith
Fri, Feb 22, 08 at 10:32 AM
Does anyone actually support these loosers? Why don't you get a job and carry your own weight instead of wasting more of my tax dollars on petty vandalism.

Mical
Fri, Feb 22, 08 at 10:39 AM
The actions of this group is more apt. to generate less support. The telling part is their spokesperson stating our laws are too lax. It seems to me the only people dealt harshley by the judicery, are the ones held in contempt of a judges ruling.

Gerry Gregson
Fri, Feb 22, 08 at 10:44 AM
Who is PRO-Poverty? Not anyone I know. People need to take responsibility for THEMSELVES and not expect hand-outs. Clive says power to the real people - the REAL people are working hard to get ahead, going back to school to upgrade to make a better life for themselves, moving to Saskatchewan to be able to afford a place to live... Many solutions but the APC would rather act as I would expect people who demand they be taken care of act.

CJ
Fri, Feb 22, 08 at 10:47 AM
Let's not forget, we (the province) are still trying recover from the debit left from the beloved short sighted NDP the bills must be paid and better they be paid by provincial created wealth brought about by business incentives then continually increasing taxes or debit passed on to your children, the NDP gave for 10 years now it time to pay the piper

Beth
Fri, Feb 22, 08 at 10:49 AM
While I am not in favour of our hosting the 2010 Olympics due to the enormous burden to taxpayers in the face of decreased funding for important social issues, such as poverty and homelessness, neither do I support the tactics the APC uses. Time and again their efforts to be heard have resulted in nothing more than tax dollars being spent to clean up their "statements" and police their profanity-laden demonstrations. They no longer have any credibility in my eyes.

FedUp
Fri, Feb 22, 08 at 10:50 AM
No matter how much the city or the Provincial Govt does the APC will continue to deface and destroy property. I'm fed up with the whining from them. Do they actually believe that Vancouver will turn around now and say "We've changed our minds, we aren't going to host the Olympics now. Sorry World"? I fully understand and agree that protesting has to be done sometimes but try to show some intelligence when doing so instead of acting like a bunch of mindless vandals.

Lisa
Fri, Feb 22, 08 at 10:56 AM
How much did the paint cost them? Was it water-based? Did any of it go down the drain? Did it contaminant any wildlife habitat? Did the materials used to clean it up go in a landfill? Did the APC consider any of these questions before committing yet another stupid act? Someone should keep a running tally of the cost of their activites - how about it, media???

Micky
Fri, Feb 22, 08 at 10:57 AM
Shame. Criminal activity is destructive. Put your energy in something constructive. The 2010 Olympics here is a fact that can not be changed. It should be clear that cost of security will be high. We do not need to make the security budget higher. The APC should consider offering to assist in security measures before and during the games and use the funds saved for programs that will help the homeless.

Howard
Fri, Feb 22, 08 at 10:58 AM
Give me a freaking break!! Are these people of real? The APC is looking for free housing in the downtown area. Where the majority of people are working for a living putting something back into society and they haven't done worth a crap. Think about this any other part of the world of throw them into the streets why not get a job and quit wasting taxpayers money in cleaning up their mess and get a job!!! And quit being a freaking baby about it. Who said life was fair?

ds
Fri, Feb 22, 08 at 10:59 AM
If they want better goverment run housing, then a short term in jail for their actions wouldn't be inappropriate. Oh wait, this is BC, where you can do what you want and not worry about jail time. Cut their welfare payments and the vandals to jail.

Hoagy
Fri, Feb 22, 08 at 11:00 AM
First comes paint....then the improvised explosives. When this kind of stuff happens, the security bill goes through the roof.

Bob
Fri, Feb 22, 08 at 11:03 AM
There's no way we can or should support this bunch of clowns. On top of it all, they're probably all collecting welfare! And if the people in the media would ignore them, they'd probably go away becasue they want the publicity. Would these people actually go to work building housing if they were given the chance? I doubt it.

pablo
Fri, Feb 22, 08 at 11:08 AM
if you want to help the poor and the homeless, try voluntering with the salvation army, union gospel mission, food bank, etc. Get a job an help with money, like I do. I dont make much but I put a lot to charity, u know why ....because is the right thing to do. The APC are criminals and their intentions is to destroy. It's easier than going to college, learning a trade or work. Shame on you. If you dont like the goverment, try voting ....

Ben
Fri, Feb 22, 08 at 11:13 AM
This group of hooligans are feeding off the media attention. They know they get front page coverage every time they do a demonstration. They know the cameras and reporters will be there. You know what, they probably got even more excited when the media are paying attention. I believe that if the media stop paying attention to them, they will slowly fades away. I am not against people voicing their opinions, but their acts are childish and bullyish at the same time. I don't believe any of the homeless people think that the APC speaks for them.

Bonnie
Fri, Feb 22, 08 at 11:14 AM
Yes it a crime to destroy other peoples property. It is also a crime what the goverment is doing to the poor people in this province. Take the mental health housing awy & putting the people on the street is a crime. Not helping the poor get off the street is a crime. Helping the rich get richer is a crime. So why is Primier Gorden Campbell not charged with these crimes...Oh yeah I forgot ...He is above law...Like I always say " The Riche Gets Richer and The Poor Pay The Price"

Richard Head
Fri, Feb 22, 08 at 11:26 AM
I get a real kick out of this dude Clive, "power to the real people". Hey Clive, in case you didn't notice, the real people have the power and going around smashing things and spouting off tired old slogans won't get you anywhere except the (hopefully) slammer.

Slick
Fri, Feb 22, 08 at 11:28 AM
I guess the rent-a-riot folks are at it again....now get on your ten-speeds and head home to await word on the next nutbar gathering.

Anthony
Fri, Feb 22, 08 at 11:31 AM
I hope Mr Campbell takes the costs of cleaning up his office and the street out of the budget for the homeless this year. Acts of vandalism proudly claimed by the APC give reasons to not support them.

Taxpayer
Fri, Feb 22, 08 at 11:31 AM
I do not support APC's tactics. They should be charged with vandalism and made to clean up the mess. If they can't pay the fines, they can work it off. With the sale of every piece of real estate over $400,000, a proportion of the fees and taxes already collected should go to social housing. Housing could be in converted ships anchored off shore, container housing as well as traditional row housing for young families.

SassyLass
Fri, Feb 22, 08 at 11:34 AM
Two wrongs do not make a right. They should be completely ignored now, they have proven over and over again that they do not have the skills that it takes to do things in a civil and human way. These people should try getting a damn job, put that whining energy into a job. They should be charged and jailed. Fine them, charge them, then move them back where they came. If these parasites of society got a job in the first place they would have a place. But in Canada you will always have the useless parasite of society. I like it in Mexico and Dominican, and throughout these places, if you do not work you do not eat. Plain as that, Canada is soft in the head, and we coddle too much that is why you have grown people that do not want to take care of themselves because in this country the government expects those that can to look out for these dregs of society. Put them on an ugly island to learn to fend for themselves like the rest of us. Damn bleeding hearts, you take care of them, if you feel sorry for them, take them in, put up or shut up.

Ed J.
Fri, Feb 22, 08 at 11:42 AM
The sooner those morons are removed from this province, the better the province will be. I have simply no regards for human trash.

Donald j
Fri, Feb 22, 08 at 11:59 AM
Amazing where police priorities lie..right now kids are also CRIMINALLY tagging everything in site,but it's just not newswothy,is it?

Janice B
Fri, Feb 22, 08 at 12:03 PM
I do support the cause, however I do not support the actions that they are taking. I guess, if you are not being heard you have to do what you have to do to get the message across. I remember when we went through this for Expo. I was working a DERA at that time.

ANDY
Fri, Feb 22, 08 at 12:07 PM
These people should spend their time looking for a job, not using their time to waste tax dollars (which they don't pay). There are plenty of jobs out there. If people are actually willing to work, there'd be a lot less homelessness. And don't give me the bs about increasing the minimum wage. I survived on my own on minimum wage and just graduated university. If society isn't harsher on these people nothing will change.

NUBS
Fri, Feb 22, 08 at 12:13 PM
In my opinion, APC should stand for Arrogant Protesting Clowns. If your going to protest, be smart about it. On the other hand, I agree that the Government should put more money into getting the Homeless off the streets. But the APC is an embarressing example of how to protest.

Slim Pickens
Fri, Feb 22, 08 at 12:13 PM
I totally support this group. As a taxpayer that does not live in the the crime ridden, drug infested, polluted slum that is Vancouver I wish they dumped that paint as well as something else I won't mention, on Gordo himself. I really, really resent my tax dollars going to this useless endeavor called the Lower Mainland Games.

DH
Fri, Feb 22, 08 at 12:15 PM
I don't know how any right minded person could support these fools. i hope they spend the 2010 Olympics locked in a tiny cell so they can't disrupt any of the events.

C Dunlop
Fri, Feb 22, 08 at 12:16 PM
Why complain, people? They defaced the clock right in front of the police the other day and nothing happens. Our priorities are so screwed up they'll never be held responsible for anything they do.

Jo
Fri, Feb 22, 08 at 12:16 PM
Get a job, and start supporting themselves. They have to much time on their hands doing nothing but complaining and wanted the government to support them.

Steveorama
Fri, Feb 22, 08 at 12:21 PM
The best anti-poverty strategy is to work, or work more. Splattering paint on buildings does squat to help the hungry. Maybe the APC can invite some of the homeless and drug-addicted into their own houses?

Joe
Fri, Feb 22, 08 at 12:24 PM
Typical APC cowardice.

Doug K
Fri, Feb 22, 08 at 12:24 PM
I consider this to be a useless, pointless act of vandalism. I'm not especially pro or anti Olympics, but I don't see how throwing paint on the front of a building is going to change anything, or improve anyones lot in life..

MIKE BIRNIE
Fri, Feb 22, 08 at 12:29 PM
NO! I THINK THEY GOT THE NAME WRONG. IT SHOULD BE THE A.W.C. .ANTI-WORK COMMITTEE.

jackie
Fri, Feb 22, 08 at 12:35 PM
They are a bunch of losers!! If they spent as much time searching for jobs as they did creating havoc, everyone would benefit. Especially the working taxpayers. Freaking idiots.

Bob
Fri, Feb 22, 08 at 12:36 PM
I do not but will someone tell me please that there is something to talk about besides2010.A hockey 1000 a homeless person,a person making 9.00 an hour ,We are not on the same page.The working person can not do this so if you are paying your taxes ,how does this help.

ROBERT
Fri, Feb 22, 08 at 12:37 PM
It's great that the majority of people here are on the same page. The more handouts we give, the more homeless people BC will get. If you can't afford to live in Vancouver, maybe you need to move further away. And what's wrong with the rich getting richer. I've worked extremely hard to get where I am. It's not my responsibility to support slackers.

Tony
Fri, Feb 22, 08 at 12:44 PM
I certainly dont condone criminal activity but this Government has put taxpayers at risk with their cuts to social programs since 2001. When there are no programs in place for issues we will become overwhelmed with crime period. APC please continue protesting peacefully I do with MOO-LAH the 2010 cash cow in the rear window of my car.

DAVE
Fri, Feb 22, 08 at 12:45 PM
These people are a joke. They are professional complainers, if it wasn't this, they'd be complaining and protesting about something else. The government could put them all up in mansions and they'd still find something to complain about. I like the comment about forming a anti-anti poverty commitee, the only problem with that is, we're all too busy WORKING!

Bob
Fri, Feb 22, 08 at 12:47 PM
Get a job, pay some taxes, then you'd really have something to complain about.

CJ
Fri, Feb 22, 08 at 12:49 PM
I am amazed this group had not been rounded up and thrown in jail. These stunts they are pulling are childish and against the law. It would sure be nice to see the police make an arrest in this city for anything. It just seems like all these groups run their agendas in vancouver with no fear of the law enforcement. I think it is time to send a message to our poilice force that we dont accept these gangs and misled groups to run our streets.

Joe
Fri, Feb 22, 08 at 12:50 PM
Didn't the government just announce plans for a major amount dollars towards social housing to help these people out. They don't work, they don't pay taxes and the government is still trying to help them.

Steve
Fri, Feb 22, 08 at 12:54 PM
Blah blah blah....Olympics...blah blah blah...how much is being spent...come on peopple, the Olympics will happen no matter what, and it will be one the greatest things in this city in our lifetime...I can understand their point, it cost a lot of money to host the Olympics, and some people can rightfully complain about that...but I don't think they have a right to complain if they don't work and pay taxes.

Marlo
Fri, Feb 22, 08 at 12:55 PM
This group is getting exactly what they wanted, exposure- Stop running articles and putting them on TV.

AnotherBrian
Fri, Feb 22, 08 at 12:56 PM
I'm not going to pass judgment, I'll just put this as simply as possible. Peaceful protest, IGNORED, angry protest, IGNORED, violent protest, FRONT PAGE NEWS! I don't care what the cause is, it is always how it works. The people we elect to govern forget it's people they are governing not sheep.

Lew
Fri, Feb 22, 08 at 01:00 PM
Absolutely not. They are just another gang. Are they untouchables, why are they not held accountable for their vandalism. What is their God given right to be there for the Olympics; I know I cannot afford to go, so I stay home. Don't they believe in earning a living perhaps by stopping so low as to getting a job?

jim G.
Fri, Feb 22, 08 at 01:00 PM
These rent-a-protesters have got to be stopped. Paint is expensive. Where did the money come from to buy it? Maybe better spent on food? The police know most of these -------s so pick 'em up and give them a couple of years in the crowbar hotel. They want affordablt housing or something (Lord knows what) give ' 2 years rent free. Baloney sandwich for lunch and weiners and turnips for supper. In a nice little chain gang they clean up the trash their peers leave on the streets and highways. It is time we quit mollycoddloing this trash! I disagree with G. Campbell (lots) BUT he doesn't deserve this 'nor do the people who work for him. I hope these garbage goons are proud of themselves.

leki
Fri, Feb 22, 08 at 01:04 PM
To those who think this is a human trash issue, you obviously have no understanding of the deeper issues surrounding homelessness in our city. I do not support Violence, and yet, peaceful protests get NO action at all from this government. My beautiful 15 year old son became "ill" with a mental illness, he did not ask for it, he did not choose it, and yet at times due to absolute negligence on the part of our gov't. to uphold essential services through appropriate monetary funding, my son has been rendered homeless more times than I care to remember. His illness blocks his ability to realize he is sick, when delusional he is terrified of everyone, he will self medicate with anything to try to drown the din of chaos his "illness" leaves him experiencing . He begins to fear food offered to him, and will choose to starve or eat out of a Garbage Can rather then risk what he believes is an attempt to poison him. His body tries to rationalize the terror and fear he experiences. We fight continuously for his human rights as not "Human Trash" but as a beloved son who used to be the kid next door, who played hockey, baseball, took his little sister to the park. Please take a drive to Main and Hastings and view this tragedy for yourself. Do you seriously believe that the comment" get a job" will assist this community ? Do you believe they have chosen this from a conscious place of wholeness....or has our society failed them at a critical moment in their life? THIS IS A MANIFESTATION OF THE SCARS LEFT UNTREATED... Take another look.....you will see the very much loved family members, mothers, sisters, sons, daughters and parents. This is our community....this is tragic, and it took losing my own son to mental illness for me to "get it". someone told me if: we see we remember, if we hear we forget, but if we experience-we understand. Which means we have to step outside of our assumptions and bitter attitudes of self righteousness, and realize that we all have a responsibility. with Metta, Leki

B
Fri, Feb 22, 08 at 01:06 PM
They are just a bunch of uneducated thugs. If you don't like the liberals then vote them out in the next election. There's no need for this type of prostest. It doesn't help your cause if the public views your organization negatively. Because everytime the issue is broght up they will always think of the APC and will have no simpathy for your cause.

Kyle
Fri, Feb 22, 08 at 01:18 PM
This kind of a response mimics those of terrorists in the middle east. Not only is retaliating like this childish, its the next step for bigger, potentially more violent forms of expressing their political feelings. Those people need did that need to think harder about what they're doing.

bill grulkey
Fri, Feb 22, 08 at 01:22 PM
It is unfortunate that the APC hides an otherwise laudable purpose behinds childish acts of vandalism. The silent minority (apparently) agree with them on the Olympics and the need for more social housing, but their balaclavas have been pul;led over their eyes which makes their actions suspect. Too bad.

Sean
Fri, Feb 22, 08 at 01:35 PM
You know, what's really bad about the APC is not that they're a bunch of boorish, ill mannered children with a false sense of their own destiny, it's that they essentially run DERA. Think about that for a second. They get paid to work for a non-profit association and adminster its housing stock (which many of them do live in), all the while creating a ruckus with this BS. And who, pray tell, does DERA get its money from? Any ideas? The government, perhaps? Can't have it both ways, boys and girls.

TYler
Fri, Feb 22, 08 at 01:35 PM
There is one reason why these 'protesters' are not going to stop. Its their bloody job. They're proffesional protesters. For every protest and vandelism, they get more donations, more members. Those in the APC are probably making good money and having fun while doing it. What care do they give to anyone else? They are not just human trash, they are being paid to be human trash.

A
Fri, Feb 22, 08 at 01:38 PM
I hate hippies - lets round them up and ship em to the North

Robert D (BOB) Clarke
Fri, Feb 22, 08 at 01:40 PM
I am Sorry, but I think these people should get out and look for work. There are all sorts of jobs that will pay above min. wage. As a busness man I can not find people that are willing to work for under 13 to 15 Dollars. I also think that if they can prove that these people we responsible for the damage, they should spend at least 3 to 5 years in jail. Thank you

Emmy
Fri, Feb 22, 08 at 01:40 PM
Typical BC NDP lazy,whinny, too much time on their hands, welfare freeloaders rhetorics...I hope the police nip this in the bud, before we become the laughing stock of the world come Olympic time. Tell it like it is Sassylass.

telquaa
Fri, Feb 22, 08 at 01:42 PM
the paint is just a drop in bucket in comparison to the robbing of poor by cambell government,we are on disability and our worker in chiliwack b.c. are cutting our cheques bac to add to our poverty because they have racial profies on us as the indigenous peoples asking why the governments are committing genocide on us as a people for olympics 2010

Disgusted taxpayer
Fri, Feb 22, 08 at 01:51 PM
This group doesn't seem to get the fact nobody owes them a living or housing. They should get out there and work like the rest of us have to in order to put a roof over our families heads. These type of tactics are deplorable and the APC members responsible should be locked up.

Andre
Fri, Feb 22, 08 at 02:25 PM
Leki, if your 15 year old son is homeless, look in the mirror...Life is a struggle, everyone knows that, but I'm trying to understand your point...you mention all these people down on Main & Hastings, saying they have families that care for them...well where are those family members?? I agree with you some of them are not capible of working, but if they have families that care as you say, then why are they not getting help?? If my son was homeless...never mind, I would never let that happen...

RANDY
Fri, Feb 22, 08 at 02:26 PM
The government is aware of the issues and is making "some" progress. Violent protests will not get them to pay greater attention. Newspaper coverage does not equal greater police attention. If you can participate in several organized protests, you are able to work.

real bc voter
Fri, Feb 22, 08 at 03:11 PM
Hey BC Voter, come on, a government that doesn't listen to the "voting public"...I'll tell you right now Gordo has no chance of defeat in the next election. What do you think, that BC'ers are going to vote for the NDP, the paradoxical alliance if there ever was one. Come on, employers are crying for workers and even bidding for those who want to get up off their fat asses and get jobs. The Olympics have created a large number of those jobs. Hey Janice B...so you did this when Expo was happening and all the same sort of theatre was happening....what do you think of that now? Has anyone with any know how ever said that Expo was a disaster for Vancouver/BC? A few comments about some posts: Bob, right on, get a job and pay taxes like the rest of us do!!! Tyler, I agree, I think some of these guys are really professional protesters. A, I lived in the 60's, I was a protester and what could be called a "hippie"...we were against a war (Vietnam) that history has pretty well considered to have been not a good decision. We were against people like Richard Nixon who history has proven to be corrupt and all of that. Finally, Leki, your argument is quite compelling and I agree with alot you say..totally. In our society we have people who have mental illnesses, and I agree totally that "get a job" is not something that should become a mantra for us all. Drug addiction, alcohol addiction are illnesses and should be covered by medical plans and treated just the same as, for example, the "flavour of the month", breast cancer. All that said, many of these pricks who are involved in this are not people suffering mental illnesses but simply lazy people who thing that society owes them because they choose the lifestyle they choose.

RALPH
Fri, Feb 22, 08 at 03:18 PM
I'm tired of hearing the tax system robs the poor and helps the rich get richer. Our tax system is based on a progressive percentage on income. If someone makes more, they end up paying more. Rich people work harder and smarter to get richer. Why should they be penalized?

Conrad
Fri, Feb 22, 08 at 04:08 PM
No, A you are wrong, round up all the lazy dorks who were involved in this paint splattering business and other things and send them up north....no, send them somewhere else as I have been up north and most of those people are hardy workers...not too many "homeless" people whining on the streets of Yellowknife or Whitehorse.

brad
Fri, Feb 22, 08 at 04:08 PM
Gordon Campbell's policies are dividing Vancouver into a playground for the (relatively) rich, and frustrating poverty for everyone else. The province's 2001 cut to social housing and all other social services has already terribly impacted the rental market and driven up living expenses beyond the means of regular working folks. Imagine how it's going to be when the pre-Olympic wages boom ends and the minimum wage becomes the standard setter for wages once again. The majority of us are not having a good time here in Campbell BC. The homeless and completely destitute are the most open examples of what Campbell is willing to put people through in order to raise the "competitive spirit" of business in the approach of the olympics. Let's be objective. Campbell and his cronies are the terrorists that we have to worry about. A small group of (understandably) angry protestors are not the problem.

Bruce Colee
Fri, Feb 22, 08 at 04:21 PM
This country has a system. We all have the opportunity to vote in a person we feel is the right person to govern our common business. The man or woman who gets the most votes wins and his party is in power. So, currently, Gordon Campbell is in power. If someone doesn't like how he (Gordon Campbell) is doing, they can simply cast a ballot for the people opposing him. That is how our system works. Over the years it has thrilled me at times and kicked me in the face at times, but all and all it is a great system called democracy. The anarchists who have done this are nothing more than vandals. The Province newspaper, shame on you for even printing this. Do you print the fact that almost every night some sort of graffiti is painted on the Skytrain track or other buildings? You are the ones who are sensationalizing these people who are basically just vandals. You are the ones who are creating a heirarchy amongst vandals. If these folks have a problem, there is a way to cure it...vote in the next provincial election. (I wonder how many of them did that in the last election?)