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News
Release
Canadian
Ethnocultural Council supports independent inquiry on the circumstances
around Dziekanski's death at Vancouver International Airport
Ottawa, November
19, 2007 The Canadian Ethnocultural Council is supporting the call
for an immediate independent inquiry on the circumstances around
the tragic death of Robert Dziekanski who was Tasered at Vancouver
International Airport on October 14, 2007.
"Our airports
are the first point of entry for immigrants to Canada. How we receive
newcomers and how we respond to individuals who may be distressed
and upset at this important time of their lives reflects who we
are as a nation. This tragic death puts a dark cloud over all of
us, a nation of immigrants, where compassion and respect are our
guiding principles. This incident also calls into question the confidence
in the RCMP and the impact this has on their relationship with communities
in Canada" said Peter Ferreira, President of the CEC. The CEC
is calling for an immediate and thorough analysis and assessment
of the circumstance of the following:
- The procedures
at Vancouver International Airport (and all international airports
in Canada) regarding the mechanism to assist confused travelers
and new immigrants especially on translation and interpretation
services.
- The RCMP procedures and training, their response to this situation,
the lethal use of force, the use of Tasers especially in this circumstance.
- The impact of the new and increased national security measures
at airports and how this has affected the personal security of travellers.
The CEC strongly supports increased security but questions how Mr.
Dziekanski had been left alone for such a long period of time without
assistance.
"We are
very disappointed with the heavy handed approach taken and the impact
this has had on our communities and the family of the victim. Immediate
steps taken by the Federal and Provincial governments to deal with
this situation may help maintain the reputation of Canada as a welcoming
society. We are concerned that such incidents should not happen
in the future and would like to see some corrective action. Some
apology and compensation should be given to the mother" said
Yvonne Bogorya-Buczkowski, CEC Executive member and President of
the Polish Canadian Women's Federation. "It is important that
we get to the heart of the matter and that amends are made as soon
as possible".
- 30-
For further information Anna Chiappa, Executive Director: (613)
230-3867 ext. 224
The Canadian
Ethnocultural Council is a coalition of over 30 national ethnocultural
organizations, which in turn represent over 2,000 local chapters
across Canada. Its mandate is to promote the understanding of the
multicultural reality of Canada as defined in The Canadian Charter
of Rights and Freedoms and The Canadian Multiculturalism Act. The
Canadian Polish Congress is a member of the CEC.
Canadian Ethnocultural Council - Conseil Ethnoculturel du Canada
176 Gloucester St., Suite 400
Ottawa, ON, K2P 0A6 Canada
Tel 613 230-3867, Fax 613 230-8051 Email: cec@web.ca; www.ethnocultural.ca
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