Image: Mike Vanden Bosch / PML / The Chilliwack RCMP detachment is shown. The Chilliwack RCMP announced Wednesday (Feb. 22) that its Serious Crime Unit has reviewed objectionable content in SD33 and determined that it does not constitute child pornography under the Criminal Code of Canada.
Chilliwack RCMP

Chilliwack RCMP says content in SD33 libraries does not constitute child pornography

Feb 22, 2023 | 1:31 PM

CHILLIWACK — The Chilliwack RCMP, in cooperation with its Serious Crime Unit, announced Wednesday afternoon (Feb. 22) that it has reviewed content of concern and determined that it does not meet the legal definition of child pornography.

According to a news release from Chilliwack RCMP Sgt. Krista Vrolyk, Chilliwack RCMP received a report alleging that written publications within SD33 school libraries contained child pornography.

Mounties say an investigator from the Serious Crime Section of the Chilliwack RCMP reviewed the publications containing the most concerning material as identified by the complainant, who was not named by the RCMP.

The investigation determined that the objectionable content does not meet the definition of child pornography under the Criminal Code of Canada.

“This is a serious allegation and one that caused many parents great concern in our community,” said Sgt. Krista Vrolyk, media spokesperson for the Chilliwack RCMP. “Police have a duty to investigate these allegations but it became clear to the investigator, who has years of experience in investigating child pornography offences, that, while the material may be deemed inappropriate or concerning to some people, it does not constitute Child Pornography.”

Earlier this month on Tuesday, February 7, former SD33 trustee Dr. Darrell Furgason repeatedly pressed the school district for answers about the legality of sexually explicit materials in SD33. He alleged that materials in SD33 libraries were objectionable and illegal.

School board chair Willow Reichelt flatly denied the allegation at the school board meeting on February 7 there are illegal materials in SD33 and called the claims defamatory, before shutting off Furgason’s mic on at least two occasions and calling for him to leave the meeting.