Constance Barnes takes "medical leave of absence" as park board commish

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Advisory
June 10, 2009

STATEMENT FROM CONSTANCE BARNES

(VANCOUVER) - I have made a serious mistake. On May 23, 2009 I was charged with
driving a vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

I was returning home from an afternoon at Iona Beach in Richmond and was
arrested and charged by the Vancouver Police Department around 11pm. I do not
intend to challenge this charge. The police arrested me outside of a home in
South Vancouver where I had fallen asleep at the wheel and hit a residential
home. No-one was injured in this incident, however there was damage to the
property.

I take full responsibility for my actions and acknowledge my lack of judgment.
This incident follows a time of deep personal struggle, for which I am now
receiving support. I have enrolled in Alcoholics Anonymous and I am seeking
out other professional support to assist me through this time.

I would like to apologize to my family, friends, colleagues and to the citizens
of Vancouver for this serious mistake. I am ashamed by my actions and the
embarrassment it has caused my family and friends.

I will be taking time over the coming months to tackle my personal challenges.
In order to learn from my mistakes and to restore public confidence, I will be
taking a leave from my job and a medical leave from my position as a Vancouver
Park Board Commissioner.

I will make myself available to the media on June 10th at 1:15 PM at the SFU
Harbour Centre in Room 1520, Barrick Gold Lecture Room.

Constance Barnes
Park Board Commissioner

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