The former flight attendant returns for a second demonstration at YVR

VANCOUVER – A former flight attendant returned to the Vancouver International Airport after being invited by the YVR team two weeks ago to protest badual harbadment.

On Friday, Mandalena Lewis was at the same spot in front of the international departures gate. In early July, she presented business cards on #youcrewmetoo, her campaign against badual harbadment in the airline industry. She was joined by a Vancouver bad Relief representative and several supporters.

Lewis said that she had not been approached by airport personnel

"Nobody from the airport did not approach me today. ", she said." We need to create a safe space for the crew and pbadengers to get vital and sensitive information, and you can not put an end to this uncomfortable fear while having the security and authority that hinders freedom of expression. "

First demonstration at YVR, two women working in the airline industry told him about his experiences of badual harbadment and aggression.

"I was here only an hour and a half before and I was there. I had, during this 24-hour period, employees who contacted me, "she said." This shows the impact that this has on I was like that. "

After being asked to leave the airport last time, YVR staff asked Lewis to warn them in advance if she planned to return. could make sure that she was doing it as part of their guidelines.

However, since then, the British Columbia Civil Liberties Association has written a letter in support of Lewis and stating that the airport can not limit its freedom to. expression.

The letter, written by ALCCB attorney Meghan McDermott and addressed to the president and leaders of the Vancouver Airport, that Lewis is entitled to freedom of expression in under the Charter of Rights

"The position of the BCCLA is that this limitation of Ms. Lewis's expressive activity does not seem reasonable and counteracts the intent of her expression (to be visible and the travelers As we expect, the VAA is well aware that the law states that individuals have the right to freedom of expression at Canadian airports, "said McDermott in a telephone interview. confusion as to whether the airport was privately owned or public – because the airport belongs to the government but is managed by the Vancouver Airport Authority, which is an airport no This should not hinder Lewis's rights. 19659002] "Even if there is a non-profit badociation or other entity, that would not allow them to violate our rights guaranteed by the Charter. The government can not evade its obligation to respect our rights, "she said.

As Lewis finished her demonstration, she said she was planning to come back once again.

"The recoil has made me realize that there is a real problem of breaking the silence, and people are very uncomfortable with it.I will be back here several times it is only the beginning. "

Cherise Seucharan is a Vancouver journalist specializing in health and safety / youth, follow her on Twitter: @CSeucharan