RCMP TO MEET AFTER RAID INVESTIGATION

Oceanside RCMP are anticipating holding another town hall meeting on
Lasqueti Island in the near future.

And, they're hoping it will have a more positive tone than the last
one, which was held in the days immediately following an island-wide
RCMP pot raid.

Staff Sergeant Bill van Otterloo said this week he has assured
Lasqueti Island residents that their questions about RCMP actions and
tactics during the raid will be investigated and answers will be given
once the investigation concludes.

He noted plans are underway to proceed with an investigation of a
number of complaints about police actions, adding that he anticipates
the probe will begin as early as next week.

Once the investigation is completed, he said he hopes to take part in
another town hall meeting on Lasqueti to discuss what transpired.
Staff Sergeant van Otterloo said it is important to balance and
respect the needs of the communities and to meet the statutory
obligations of upholding the law.

He said, as a result of last week's meeting and individual discussions
with residents, he has a greater understanding of the Lasqueti Island
residents and a greater insight into the community, as well as a
greater respect of the sensitivity of the community conscience.