Evidence of meeting #26 for Public Safety and National Security in the 39th Parliament, 2nd Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was taser.
A recording is available from Parliament.
NDP
Peggy Nash NDP Parkdale—High Park, ON
Thank you.
Dr. Dowling, it's my understanding that the City of Edmonton has a policy of calling EMS before a taser is deployed. You're familiar with that. I have two questions on that. Can you tell us if that policy is effective in saving lives or preventing injury? I understand that Calgary does not have the same policy. Is there a difference between the two with respect to taser use?
Chief Medical Examiner, Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, Government of Alberta
I hadn't realized that wasn't true in Calgary, and if it's happening in Edmonton, a proud side of me might like to claim a wee bit of credit for that because I've spoken to them continuously saying that this is a medical emergency. At the end of the day, what I've basically taught them is that it doesn't matter what we do, this patient may die. Even if they stand back and do nothing, this patient may die. Therefore, if you're thinking that you have to get in there and restrain them or taser them or do whatever, get the paramedics there, because at least when you get them down, you can get them the medical attention they need right away. I think when the taser first came out that wasn't happening, so I was very pleased when they let me know that they always get the paramedics there.
NDP
Peggy Nash NDP Parkdale—High Park, ON
Is there any difference between the experience now with EMS in Edmonton versus what happens in Calgary?
Chief Medical Examiner, Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, Government of Alberta
I don't think so, although it's interesting that when you look at our four deaths, one was in Red Deer, the other three were in Edmonton, and they haven't had one in Calgary. Whether that has any bearing on it I honestly don't know.
NDP
Peggy Nash NDP Parkdale—High Park, ON
Thank you.
Dr. McCallum, does the Ontario Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services collect data on taser use in the province?
Regional Supervising Coroner for Eastern Ontario, Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services, Government of Ontario
I don't know. This is a non-death situation?
Regional Supervising Coroner for Eastern Ontario, Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services, Government of Ontario
I can't tell you that. I don't know. But I know that in every case, in every police force I am aware of, including the Ontario Provincial Police, the use of a taser is treated like the use of a firearm would be. In other words, a report must be filed, so I think there would be data on that, but I can't say for certain how it's aggregated.
NDP
Peggy Nash NDP Parkdale—High Park, ON
If there are data, would it be possible to share that with this committee?
Regional Supervising Coroner for Eastern Ontario, Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services, Government of Ontario
I can ask that it be shared. It wouldn't come from our office, but I can certainly undertake to see if there's information that could be shared with the committee.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Garry Breitkreuz
I'd like to thank our witnesses very much for coming before this committee. I think you've added a lot to our study here, and I want to express my appreciation on behalf of the committee.
This meeting stands adjourned.