New Democrat Leader Carole James today called for a review on the use of Tasers, including a temporary moratorium, by law enforcement officials to ensure public confidence and protect lives.

“All British Columbians were shocked and saddened to see the video footage of Robert Dziekanski's death,” said James. “Unfortunately this is not the first death in Canada caused by Tasers. There have been 17 across the country. The public is looking to government and law enforcement officials for leadership to ensure this does not happen again. Today, I am calling for an immediate and swift review of the use of Tasers by officials. And until that review is done, there should be a temporary moratorium.”

Earlier today, the provincial police force in Newfoundland and Labrador suspended the use of Tasers in response to the incident at YVR. James said British Columbia should follow suit.

“The video footage has shaken many British Columbians and they want assurance that it this type of tragedy will not happen again,” said James. “Tasers are a weapon meant to be used as a last resort. In this case, there are enough unanswered questions to take serious measures to protect the public. We must also ensure police have the proper training, so that they have the confidence to use and apply these tools in the protection of themselves and the public. We must all work together to learn and move on from this tragedy.

“A review will not only provide clarity and confidence to the public, it will also give police the certainty they need about the training and application of this tool.”

In addition to the review and temporary ban, James repeated the NDP’s call for an immediate investigation into this tragedy that is entirely independent of government and the RCMP.