Kootenay-Columbia MP Rob Morrison has released a statement supporting the National Police Federation’s opposition to B.C.’s COVID-19 non-essential travel restrictions and orders.

“Since the official announcement of these travel restrictions, the National Police Federation has been hearing loud and clear from a growing number of RCMP members, asking us to oppose this proposed order,” said National Police Federation president Brian Sauvé in a media statement. “In addition to shouldering an already heavy and increasing workload, participating in enforcement roadblocks puts even greater pressure on limited resources and puts our members at further risk of exposure and possible infection.”

Sauvé added on the Mike Smyth radio show April 22 the travel ban is “a little overarching” and “this is going to be a stretch for our members. We’ve had a challenging couple of years in policing, trying to rebuild the trust of the public and maintain that trust. Something like this, the ability to pull someone over for whatever, and say ‘prove to me why you’re here, for non-essential or essential reason,’ could erode that trust further,” he said.

The National Police Federation represents about 6,500 RCMP officers in the province.

“The RCMP are already shouldering a heavy and increased workload,” said Morrison. “Enforcing this order puts even greater pressure on limited resources. Meaning, if they are enforcing roadblocks throughout B.C., what existing duties fall through the cracks and how will that impact British Columbians.”

Morrison added, “Given what is outlined in the Charter, no government should be ordering the RCMP to profile citizens who are traveling within Canada.”

Morrison, concluded he will be following up with Public Safety Minister Bill Blair and RCMP Commissioner Brenda Lucki on this issue.

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