The Attorney General of British Columbia, Niki Sharma, has issued a warning to business leaders in the province, urging them to carefully consider the potential impact of their decisions on the current immigration situation in the United States, which she describes as alarming. This statement follows the revelation that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security is planning to acquire a building owned by the property division of the Vancouver-based conglomerate, Jim Pattison Group, for use as an Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility.
Sharma emphasized the need for B.C. and Canadian business figures to reflect on their involvement in the unfolding events in the U.S., particularly in light of recent incidents, such as the tragic shootings in Minneapolis that have sparked widespread protests. Speaking at a press conference in Vancouver, Sharma stressed the importance of making choices that do not contribute to similar outcomes seen in the U.S.
Meanwhile, Homeland Security has notified the Hanover County planning department in Virginia of its plans to purchase and repurpose the warehouse owned by Jim Pattison Developments. Property records indicate that the building was acquired for approximately C$10.4 million in 2022 and is expected to be valued at around C$69 million this year after renovations.
Despite these developments, both the Jim Pattison Group and Jim Pattison Developments have not yet responded to requests for comment.