The families of the women murdered by serial killer Robert Pickton are surprised to learn several recommendations made in December by Missing Women Commissioner Wally Oppal are now on hold.
Attorney General Shirley Bond has confirmed former Lieutenant Governor Steven Point has resigned as chair of a special advisory committee ensuring improvements are made.
Lilliane Beaudoin, who lost her sister Dianne Rock, says this is the first she's heard of it and she can't believe Bond is claiming recent legal action is hindering the government's work.
Lawyer Jason Gratl, who's representing the families of four victims whose remains were found on Pickton's farms, says his only response to Bond is these actions are 'beneath comment.'
He says he filed the lawsuit earlier this month, because no action has been taken to compensate the families for their loss.
The inquiry’s commissioner, Wally Oppal, says it is "most regrettable and most unfortunate" Point has stepped down.
"One of the things that I was concerned with was that there be speedy justice for those families who have waited so long to get justice."
The BC Civil Liberties Association is furious that the provincial government's response to the inquiry might be delayed.
Micheal Vonn says the lawsuits in no way prevent the government from acting on the recommendations.
"But it certainly looks like what we have here is the government basically trying to protect itself from potential financial liability in a court case by saying, ‘We wouldn't to be doing anything that would look like an admission of wrongdoing or negligence, so ergo, we can do nothing.’"
The ministry says it remains committed to carrying out the inquiry's recommendations.
Premier Clark with BC Lieutenant Governor Steven Point