Death of Mr Dziekanski

Resolution number
5
Whereas
  1. The death of Mr. Dziekanski, a Polish immigrant in Canada on October 14, 2007 at Vancouver International Airport after being hit by an RCMP taser has shocked many Canadians and has damaged Canada’s reputation globally as a civil and human right pioneer;
  2. At least 17 people have so far died in Canada following the use of tasers by police;
  3. The use of taser guns and other electric-shock devices is subject to abuse and these weapons have the capacity to inflict multiple and prolonged shocks;
Therefore be it resolved

That the CCR write to the appropriate authorities, protesting against the death of Mr. Dziekanski and call for the following measures:

  1. Systemic and ongoing education and training for police and other enforcement officers on human rights, non-discrimination and against torture and other inhuman, degrading treatment or punishment;
  2. Improved services at all points of entry and immediate changes in the way officials deal with international travellers so that they feel welcomed and protected and feel safe.
Working Group
Immigration and Settlement