Vancouver ‘Ambassador’ guards cleared of discrimination allegations

By The Canadian Press  February 9, 2012  

B.C.'s Human Rights Tribunal says there is not enough evidence to prove a group of privately paid security guards discriminates against the homeless and drug users in Vancouver.

The Downtown Vancouver Business Improvement Association says the ruling clears the members of its Downtown Ambassadors program of allegations of harassment or discrimination against the homeless and drug addicted in the downtown core.

The tribunal ruling ends an investigation that began four years ago with complaints that the red-shirted ambassadors were targeting certain people, forcing them away from downtown businesses.

The association argues its ambassadors are paid to help street people, protect downtown business property and also provide tourism information.