PRESS RELEASE
30 March 2006

The Youbou TimberLess Society (YTS) was in BC Supreme Court on Monday and Tuesday (27 & 28 March) to witness the latest scenes in the ongoing legal drama that is "Kenneth David James versus Her Majesty The Queen."

The Court had previously granted permission for the Crown to advance a res judicata challenge. The BC Government was arguing that a prior litigation engaged in by the IWA - Steelworkers Union and subsequently withdrawn, effectively invalidated the rights of Youbou Sawmill workers to now proceed with a class action lawsuit against the government for negligence.

Justice R. D. Wilson heard opposing arguments from Joseph Arvay (for the plaintiff) and Edward Gouge (for the defendant). He then reserved his decision for deliberation.

The YTS trusts that Justice Wilson will rule in favour of the plaintiff so that the central case can finally proceed. After five years of government obfuscation and delay, it is time for truth and justice. In Premier Campbell's own words, "this legal action will require the omission of Clause 7 to be canvassed fully."

It appears that the machinery of government was exercised without proper care. Over 200 Cowichan families are owed a full explanation. There is a profound need for public trust to be restored. It is time.

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