Minister Day receives interim report on the use of Conducted Energy Weapons by the RCMP

December 12, 2007 — The Honourable Stockwell Day, Minister of Public Safety, issued the following statement upon receiving an interim report on the use of Conducted Energy Weapons (CEWs), commonly known as Tasers, by the RCMP.

"Following the death of Robert Dziekanski at Vancouver International Airport, I immediately directed Mr. Paul Kennedy, the Chair of the Commission for Public Complaints Against the RCMP, to review RCMP protocols on the use of Tasers and the RCMP's compliance with these protocols.

Without delay, and in accordance with my request, the Commission began the process of conducting a full and independent review. Mr. Kennedy has now provided to me his initial assessment. I will review this interim report before commenting further.

Our Government takes this matter seriously and recognizes that Canadians must have full confidence in their national police force. The recommendations of Mr. Kennedy will be considered in detail and I look forward to receiving his final report, expected in the early summer 2008."

Information:

Mélisa Leclerc
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Stockwell Day
Minister of Public Safety
613-991-2863