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Politicians unite over hospice Serious concerns raised after board rejects memberships, proposes faith-based constitution SANDOR GYARMATI
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Delta politicians at all levels and political stripes have come together to address the tumultuous situation at Delta Hospice. In a joint letter to Adrian Dix this week, Mayor George Harvie, MP Carla Qualtrough and MLAs Ian Paton and Ravi Kahlon asked
for a meeting with the province’s health minister, noting the Delta Hospice Society board’s opposition to Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) has become a distraction from the good work of hospice staff and volunteers, causing severe damage and division within the hospice and throughout the community. Saying they appreciate the
government had taken earlier action by notifying Delta Hospice its funding and service agreement will end Feb. 25, 2021, the letter also states there’s growing anxiety in the community over statements by board president Angelina Ireland. “As elected officials, we are united in voicing our concerns with the board’s recent decision
to significantly alter its constitution and bylaws, while at the same time seemingly thwarting the efforts of our citizens to have a say in the direction of the society,” the letter notes. The Delta officials are referring to a special meeting the hospice board has scheduled for June 15 to amend the society’s constitution to include state-
ments on Christian principles. The meeting was scheduled as a large number of Delta residents opposed to the board’s actions saw their membership applications denied without explanation, a move alleged in order to stack the membership, including non-Delta residents, to impose religious views. SEE TURBULENT: page 3
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MLAs Ian Paton (left) and Ravi Kahlon, Mayor George Harvie and MP Carla Qualtrough met last Friday at city hall to discuss the Delta Hospice Society situation.
IIO says investigation into in-custody death could take months IAN JACQUES
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It could be several months before the Independent Investigations Office (IIO) completes its probe into a police incident in Tsawwassen last
Friday night that left one man dead. “This will take some time,” IIO Chief Civilian Director Ron MacDonald told the Optimist Monday. “An investigation of this nature, especially given that we will likely have to await the
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results of an autopsy to determine cause of death, will take some time. We may complete a lot of our work, but you are looking at a period of some months before we will likely be finished.” According to a news release from Delta police, officers were
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called regarding a taxi theft at the BC Ferries causeway at approximately 11:30 p.m. Police soon located the stolen vehicle, at which time the driver exited the taxi and engaged with police. DPD said no officers were hurt during the altercation.
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According to the IIO, the suspect fled towards the ferry causeway beach. The man reportedly produced weapons and was taken into custody. During his arrest, the man suffered serious injuries. SEE IIO: page 3
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