July 29, 2009

Meeting of CPC President with RCMP Commissioner

The National President of the Canadian Polish Congress, Wladyslaw Lizon, met yesterday with RCMP Commissioner William Elliott in Ottawa, to discuss matters related to the events which resulted in the tragic death of Robert Dziekanski at the Vancouver Airport on Oct.14/2007.

Mr. Lizon noted that the Canadian Polish Congress had sought a moratorium on the use of tasers pending further assurances about their safety. Commissioner Elliott indicated that although the RCMP had considered a moratorium, in the Commissioner’s view a moratorium would put officer and public safety at risk. The Commissioner welcomed the recent Braidwood Commission Phase I report and committed to making further changes to improve RCMP policies and training on tasers. He agreed that tasers should not be the “weapon of convenience”.

Commissioner Elliott expressed sympathy for the family of Robert Dziekanski. In response to questions from Mr. Lizon about the action that would be taken vis a vis the officers involved in the face of a perception that they were not being held accountable for the events leading up to Robert Dziekanski’s death, Commissioner Elliott indicated that there are set procedures which need to be followed in relation to discipline but did not comment on this specific case, referring to the ongoing Commission of Inquiry. With regard to the decision not to lay criminal charges, Commissioner Elliott indicated that this decision was not taken by the RCMP but by the Attorney General of British Columbia.

In wrapping up the discussion, Mr. Lizon offered the assistance and co-operation of the Canadian Polish Congress in collaborative efforts to restore public confidence in the RCMP. Commissioner Elliott indicated that he was pleased to cooperate with the CPC in community outreach efforts aimed to build better understanding between the RCMP and the communities it serves and the national force’s good reputation. He commented favourably on the initiative taken by the CPC in this matter. Mr. Lizon emphasized that Canadians and newcomers to Canada should not fear police authorities, but rather should respect the role of police in keeping peace and order and helping all Canadians. Commissioner Elliott indicated that he would be pleased to participate in a round table discussion with representatives of the CPC member organizations and the Polish language media.