Taser inquiry set to release findings

July 23, 2009
Globe and Mail

Former justice Thomas Braidwood is expected Thursday to release the highly anticipated first set of findings from his commission's inquiry into the death of Robert Dziekanski following his tasering at the Vancouver International Airport two years ago.

Commission officials would only say the announcement would deal with “the use of conducted energy weapons (tasers) by law enforcement agencies in B.C.,” but CTV news reported that it will include “severe restrictions” on the use of the devices.

The announcement of Mr. Braidwood's press conference – and one by Solicitor General Kash Heed immediately afterwards to respond to Mr. Braidwood's report – was something of a surprise.

Among those taken aback were Mr. Dziekanski's mother, Zofia Cisowski, who is currently in Poland. Her lawyer Walter Kosteckyj said his client wasn't informed that Mr. Braidwood would release details of the report, and that he had no preview of its contents.

“We didn't know about it. She left last week,” he said. “I think it's going to be very interesting to see what the recommendations are. I certainly hope that they are significant, and I hope they include a moratorium until the testing of the taser [is complete].”

The RCMP have said they would respect Mr. Braidwood's recommendations and adopt them nation-wide.

The retired Supreme Court justice will speak with reporters at 1 p.m. in Vancouver. Mr. Heed will speak at 2 p.m.

Phase two of the inquiry, which deals with Mr. Dziekanski's case specifically, isn't complete.

“This [Thursday's announcement] is only going to deal with the issue of the use of tasers itself,” Mr. Kosteckyj said.