Related
Internal Links
- Critics demand police shelve Tasers after Montreal man dies
- Quebecer dies in hospital after being hit with stun gun
- Taser video shows RCMP shocked immigrant within 25 seconds of their arrival
- IN DEPTH: Is 'excited delirium' at the root of many Taser deaths?
- INTERACTIVE: Map of Taser-related deaths in Canada
Quebec will review police use of Taser guns in the wake of several recent deaths across the country, including two in Montreal.
Quebec could adopt stricter guidelines for police forces that use Tasers if a national review headed by former prosecutor Paul Kennedy calls for changes in police procedures.
"We'll look at that," Public Security Minister Jacques Dupuis said on Tuesday. "I understand that police officers have to react and take split-second decisions. But it has to be used in appropriate circumstances."
The Quebec government still supports the use of stun guns to bring suspects under control, and it's too early to say whether a moratorium on their use is appropriate, the minister suggested.
Calls for a moratorium intensified after Polish immigrant Robert Dziekanski died at the Vancouver International Airport earlier this fall.
Dziekanski died moments after he was stunned at least twice by a Taser gun in the arrivals area of the Vancouver International Airport, where he was waiting for his mother.
The federal government has asked Kennedy to examine the RCMP officers' decision to use a Taser in the Dziekanski affair.
In Montreal, many continue to call for a local moratorium on Taser gun use, in light of Taser-related deaths in the region.
Quilem Registre died in hospital Oct. 17, a few days after Montreal police officers used a stun gun on him when they stopped him for a traffic violation in the city's east end.
Montreal city council never formally approved the use of Tasers by its police force, and it's not clear whether officers have received appropriate training, Coun. Marvin Rotrand said.
"I think there are legitimate questions," he told CBC News on Tuesday. "Are Tasers safe? Are officers properly trained? Do they need to be used when they're used? There are too many questions remaining to be answered for Tasers to be an alternative to lethal force."
Rotrand said he filed a formal moratorium request with Montreal's public security commission more than a month ago but hasn't received a response.
Share Tools
Latest Montreal News Headlines
- Tornado touchdown confirmed near Montreal
- Trees were uprooted, roofs damaged and windows shattered as severe thunderstorms and a tornado rattled through southwestern Quebec Friday night. more »
- Champlain Bridge road work blitz this weekend
- Transport Quebec is advising drivers to avoid the Champlain Bridge corridor this weekend as a blitz of major road work closes down some lanes. more »
- Quebec students ready for tuition hike, says one leader
- The president of Quebec's College Student Federation (FECQ), Leo Bureau-Blouin, tells CBC Radio's The House that students "are ready for a compromise on the amount of a tuition hike," as the Quebec government and the province's student associations prepare to resume talks. more »
- IOC's Jacques Rogge encourages Olympic bids for Quebec City, Toronto
- International Olympic Committee president Jacques Rogge believes there is an opportunity for either Quebec City or Toronto to host a future Olympic Games. more »
Top News Headlines
- Everest team unable to bring down Toronto woman's body
- Bad weather has hampered the recovery team that is attempting to bring down the body of a Toronto woman who died trying to climb Mt. Everest. more »
- 32 Syrian children die in artillery attack, says UN
- More than 90 people have been killed by regime forces in a district of central Syria, with the head of the UN team in the country confirming at least 32 children and 60 adults were killed the attack. more »
- Woman's remains found in hockey bag on Cape Breton river
- Police in Nova Scotia are investigating after a woman's remains were found in a hockey bag floating on a Cape Breton river Friday night. more »
- Montreal student group says Bill 78 must be priority
- Quebec's coalition of student associations says Bill 78 must be a priority if a new round of negotiations start up with the government in the ongoing tuition conflict. more »
Most Viewed/Commented
- Tornado touchdown confirmed near Montreal
- 32nd night protest in Montreal
- Quebec students challenge Bill 78 in court
- Quebec students ready for tuition hike, says one leader
- Mysterious photos may shed light on 2004 Quebec homicide
- Son testifies on behalf of father accused of killing wife
- Quebec faces mounting pressure amid student crisis
- Ottawa man in hospital after lightning strike
- Bookies set odds on Quebec student protest

