B.C. premier apologizes to Taser victim's mother

Last Updated: Monday, November 19, 2007 | 7:19 PM PT

CBC News

B.C. Premier Gordon Campbell publicly apologized to the mother of a Polish immigrant who died after being stunned by an RCMP Taser, the same day the provincial government ordered a full public inquiry into the Oct. 14 incident.

'I'm glad to apologize on behalf of people in British Columbia for what took place.'— B.C. Premier Gordon Campbell

"I'm sure the RCMP would be glad to apologize. So I'm glad to apologize on behalf of people in British Columbia for what took place," Campbell said on Monday about the recent death of Robert Dziekanski at Vancouver International Airport .

"That was something that was devastating to her [Dziekanski's mother Zofia Cisowski] in more ways than I can even begin to imagine."

B.C. Solicitor General John Les said Monday afternoon that for the sake of public safety and public confidence, there needs to be "a comprehensive and independent look at all the issues."

The full public inquiry ordered Monday by the B.C. government will examine both Dziekanski's death and the policy of Taser use by police in British Columbia.

B.C. Solicitor General John Les, at the legislature in Victoria on Monday, announces an inquiry into the use of Tasers in the province.
(CBC)

"There are a number of processes that have been launched to date, and we are confident they will be thorough. But it is equally important that we establish an open and integrative review," Les said.

B.C. Attorney General Wally Oppal said the government was forced to launch its inquiry because of a "vacuum of information" from authorities.

"I think it's safe to say that we were waiting for some kind of appropriate answer from the authorities and nothing was forthcoming at all," Oppal said on Monday.

"We thought someone might step up and offer an explanation about what happened. You think of the repercussions here and the public deserves answers," he said.

Oppal didn't single out any one agency.

Airport authority, RCMP welcome inquiry

B.C. Attorney General Wally Oppal says the government was forced to launch its inquiry because of a 'vacuum of information' from authorities.
(CBC)

The release of a video recording of the incident last Wednesday led to widespread condemnation of police use of the weapon.

But both the Vancouver Airport Authority and the RCMP said they welcome the announcement of the public inquiry.

"We will await the publication of further details from the government," said Larry Berg, the authority's president and CEO. "We will act on the recommendations that come out of our own review or any of these other independent inquiries."

The RCMP will fully participate in any review of their actions, policies and or use of Tasers, said Gary Bass, Deputy Commissioner for Pacific Region and the commanding officer of E Division.

"We are confident that all processes available to allow for full disclosure and review of the facts are underway and their results and findings will be available to the public upon completion," he said in a statement released Monday afternoon. Bass also gave his condolences to Dziekanski's family on behalf of E Division in Vancouver.

Commissioner to be appointed soon

Also on Monday, Les's office outlined the scope of the public inquiry. It is to include:

• A review of the appropriate use and policies employed by police in British Columbia with respect to the Taser, and recommend necessary changes.
• A full review of the incident involving Dziekanski, including (but not limited to) the actions of the RCMP, Canadian Border Services and immigration processes and Vancouver airport.
• Recommendations on how procedures can be improved with respect to the handling of foreign passengers coming into British Columbia through the Vancouver airport.

The commissioner of the inquiry will be identified in the near future, and formal terms of reference will be drafted at that time, said Les. Once appointed, the commissioner will start the review immediately.

The commissioner will also determine the appropriate time to conduct the remainder of the inquiry into the circumstances surrounding Dziekanski's death, taking into account the fact that a homicide investigation is underway.

"We want everyone to know that all the facts will be put on the table, we will take action based on those facts and we will learn from this tragedy," Les said.

With files from the Canadian Press