Metro Vancouver members of the NDP have called on the federal government to investigate the actions of three individuals arrested during a protest in Montebello, Quebec, on August 20.

MPs Peter Julian (Burnaby-New Westminster) and Libby Davies (Vancouver East) have sent letters to Stockwell Day, federal minister of public safety. They have requested the federal government hold a public inquiry into allegations that agent provocateurs were used during a protest against the Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America.

The letter to the Minister of Public Safety read:

“Along with hundreds of other Canadian citizens who participated in the Monday protest, we were both alarmed at the enormous police presence. We are more shocked at the allegations that inside agents, appearing to be working with riot police, attempted to provoke a violent incident during the peaceful demonstration. Video and photograph evidence has led to many unanswered questions.”

On August 20, three men were photographed lying on the ground, arrested. They had earlier been videotaped inciting violence, the CBC reported. Both the photos and video clearly show the three men wearing combat boots with identical markings to those worn by the Surete du Quebec, (the Quebec provincial police), who were stationed at the protest.

On August 22, Canadian Press reported the RCMP and SQ denied using agents provocateurs, despite the video evidence.

Watch the CBC’s report on-line, here.

The original video can be found on YouTube, here.

On August 22, the Straight reported that the B.C. Civil Liberties Association had called for anybody who attended the SPP protest and had witnessed "serious transgressions" of civil liberties to contact them.

On August 16, the Straight reported on a protest against the SPP that took place outside the Westin Bayshore in Vancouver.