When licensing power meets poor process, reputations and livelihoods can be damaged. Here is a documented case, the alleged retaliation that followed, and the reforms we’re seeking.
In recent months, I raised formal concerns about the Security Programs Division’s handling of my licensing file, including retention of a $120 fee and decisions that derailed employment. Shortly after issuing demand letters, I applied to volunteer at a Vancouver homelessness charity. During that process, an alarming background-check notice appeared—demanding fingerprint comparison against an individual with a serious criminal history—creating a stigmatizing and harmful impression. I allege this escalation was triggered or amplified by actions of Cassandra Graber, with involvement by Alysha Hardy.
This is not just about one file. When officials intervene in ways that chill participation in community service or employment, the harm radiates: volunteers are lost, organizations are strained, and public trust erodes.
Alleged Misconduct (summarized):
Post-demand interference with a third-party volunteer background check, causing reputational damage.
Retention of a $120 fee despite the program’s handling of the application (unjust enrichment pleaded).
Coordinated actions reasonably characterized as civil conspiracy (predominant-purpose and, alternatively, unlawful-means).
Procedural unfairness and chilling effects inconsistent with principles of administrative justice.
Why this matters to charities and the public:
Organizations like First United rely on volunteers. They deserve background-check processes that are accurate, fair, and free from retaliatory external influence. Volunteers should never be stigmatized because they exercised their right to complain or seek review.
What we’re doing:
Filing amended pleadings in Small Claims and Supreme Court to add retaliation and conspiracy allegations (service within 7 days).
Issuing preservation demands and requesting independent oversight.
Publishing a transparent timeline and inviting official responses, which we will post in full.
Call to action:
If you support fair, non-retaliatory administration, share this post and contact provincial oversight bodies to request a review of policies governing background-check referrals, refund governance, and record-keeping. Charities and volunteers deserve better.
Editor’s note: The individuals named are invited to provide a written response; we will publish it in full.
Provincial Oversight — Who Is Accountable
Hon. Nina Krieger — Minister of Public Safety & Solicitor General
Portfolio lead for the Security Programs Division (SPD), the branch responsible for licensing, compliance, and oversight within B.C.’s public safety framework.
Nina.Krieger.MLA@leg.bc.ca
Phone: (250) 356-5013 Toll Free: (250) 360-2027
Hon. David Eby — Premier of British Columbia
Holds ultimate executive oversight of provincial ministries and their performance, including Public Safety.
Email: premier@gov.bc.ca Phone: 250-387-1715
Tara Richards — Deputy Solicitor General
The Minister’s direct senior administrator, responsible for operational supervision of the SPD and related enforcement/complaint processes. EMAIL PSSG.Correspondence@gov.bc.ca
778 405-9469, Cellular, 778 698-0403
Hon. Terry Yung — Minister of State for Community Safety
Supports the Public Safety file, assisting with SPD matters and community safety initiatives.
Terry.Yung.MLA@leg.bc.ca Phone: 604-660-2622
BC Ombudsperson (Jay Chalke)
An independent office that investigates complaints about provincial public bodies, including fairness, process failures, or maladministration. CONTACT HERE
Federal Escalation (Awareness & Political Accountability)
While this matter is primarily provincial, notifying federal representatives can increase visibility and urgency.
Your Member of Parliament Awareness/constituent advocacy
MP for Victoria — Laurel Collins — Awareness/regional accountability
EMAIL: Laurel.Collins@parl.gc.ca : 250-363-3600
Recommended use: include federal MPs in cc for awareness and political pressure, while directing the primary complaint and remedy requests to the provincial decision-makers above.