Canada Abroad

Excellent point about the video of this incident making all the difference... ESPECIALLY since the initial remarks by the police were shown to be utterly and completely untrue.
Without this video it would have been simply the police words against eyewitness words... and I suspect NOTHING would have been done.
There are too many unanswered questions regarding police excess use of force... and without video of these actual incidents we just have terrible and persistent doubts about our police forces.
Sad indeed!

It seems to me that if most of the deaths after use of a taser have been associated with a state of agitation caused by alleged use of drugs or a pre-existing psychiatric condition, medically it makes sense that to add to an already elevated heart rate and possible rise in adrenalin levels should be contraindicated! Shouldn't law enforement be looking for a way to relax and reduce the state of agitation rather than exacerbate it? Wouldn't some sort of toll which reduces these symptoms be more useful? When a wild animal is frightened and needs to be captured by wild-life handlers, don't they use a hypodermic with some sort of anaesthetic? Perhaps research could come up with some kind of suitable non-evasive tool...I mean it's not rocket science here! But 18 deaths following use of tasers when there has been some alleged use of drugs or some medical condition ascertained by police upon arrival on the scene simply by visual recognition of behaviour should be pointing those in command to an obvious conclusion...hope someone is listening...

I am grateful to the media for persisting in giving high profile to this shocking and outrageous act by the RCMP to a confused stranger at our doorstep. Politicians-- provincial and federal--have reacted slowly and in a blase manner that is a further revelation of a malaise among many given public trust. Where is their indignation over that which is so evident to us all?

When thugs brutalize and kill an innocent man, does it matter if they wear uniforms, or not? Are police above decency and the law itself? If these officers are not brought to justice, no one in Canada nor abroad will have any reason to believe that this was just an isolated aberrant behavior by four RCMP officers. If what the law calls for is not exercised on these men, then we know that elected officials have turned their faces away from acknowledging their own responsibility as to why they gave these police officers the power of life and death with no accountability.

Canada's reputation has been disintegrating on a daily basis ever since a Bush loving Harper stepped into the Prime Minister's office.

It would be interesting and worthwhile for someone to do a comparative study on the un-Canadian politival decisions, and related events that have lowered our International image since Steven Harper took over with a Minority Government, and for an equal period of time before he began tainting our reputation.

Like every one I am saddened by the unnessary death of this innocent man. It is almost unbelievable that these RCMP officers could be so insensitive, so heartless as appears in this video. I think Tasers should be eliminated. They appear to be too dangerous to be used so carelessly. From all reports there have been too many deaths associated with these weapons.

Too bad there's no video of what happened to Ian Bush...

Was one shot not enough to subdue this polish immigrant,or was it necessary at all considering
4 officers were present at the time,was this man armed and dangerous?to warrant the taser,we should be ashamed as canadians to see things as terrible as this,this is grounds for dismissal and criminal prosecution for those officers as far as I'm concerned,DUMMY UP RCMP !!!!

Unfortunately I do not think this is an isolated case of police brutality, we have seen far to much of it in recent years with those incidents that have been taped. Thank goodness for the people that are filming them. You only have to listen to the RCMP lies before they realised it had been taped. It makes you wonder what was the truth with all the other taser deaths.

This is a sad, sad day for Canadians. For certain the Canadian soul has been soiled. It is unfathonable that any immigrant would be unattended to without an interpreter for a short period of time never mind the 10 hours of fear that Mr. Dziekanksi endured. I have travelled extensively and have seen other abuses toward immigrants upon deplaning in Canada. Why do we hear comments in the video questioning whether he is Russian but no one at all does anything about it? The Airport Authority as well as the R.C.M.P. are certainly to be questioned at the loss of life and who knows what airport employees in between those two authorities did nothing?

Taser guns need to be banned! They repeatedly kill people over minor infractions. The police need to use their brain and try and communicate rather than killing people all the time. Using a taser gun is using lethal force. We got rid of the death sentence because too many innocent people were being killed unjustly. How many more people have to die from taser guns before we make them illegal?

It is not only the RCMP problem. It is my experience that coming home to Canada is not a very joyous experience. After travelling the world extensively over the last 30 years I found out that the Canadian immigration officers are probably the least friendly ( maybe with the exception of Lagos, Nigeria)and helpful in the world. At the airport the sign "Welcome to Canada" is nothing but a sign. Even for the Canadians returning home. Sorry to say so.
Jerry Slavicky

My comments, is that why do police of the RCMP committed unacceptable action against a polish innocent and do nothing against the law?
A police is said to be the protector ... to serve & to protect not to KILL! Peace be with him, does this polish deserve to die in a brutal way of killing by in public? Does he possess an imminent danger or violent and pay a price by death?
How many more like Robert Dziekanski's life to serve death in a wrong way and wrong place? Please control your temper by using taser, be considerate the life of other.

Anyway, I admired those police who deserved to be a good public servant is a public trust.

From Toronto,
Mar

I really hope these RCMP clowns get their walking papers, they obviously were not trained to deal with this kind of situation. And...I bet if it was regular airport security dealing with this guy it would have been handled much much differently. I'm willing to bet he would still be alive right now.

This is discusting, the conduct of the RCMP. As a recent immigrant ot canada, my heart goes out to this polish man and his family, canada, and the RCMP should be ashamed with their conduct.

Basic communication skills of an MATURE officer could have defused the whole situation in minutes, not the trigger happy rcmp rookies response which ended up killing the poor man.

Charge every single one of the RCMP officers. Their actions caused a death of a man, who was innocent until proven guilty. Their incompetance and sheer stupidy not only put a black scar on the RCMP as a whole, it presented Canada in a totally unfavourable light. Usually I defend police officer, usually I understand that there are two sideds to every story...but this is beyond excusse. If the 4 of the officers dont have the balls to resign, RCMP should not have a need for scum like that.

After following this story from the beginning,I
would think that all who are involved ,especially gov't and public officials had better wake up and realize that they can no longer take the public for granted. We are not a bunch of nobody's as they think we are.The same old wait and see attitude does not cut it anymore. The actions of these officials are undescribable. Do they think we really believe Mr Oppal when he says no deal was made betweem them and Ottawa,gimma a break.
When we have a major natural disaster and these boso's react in the same way, I hope they are the first in line to flounder and succumb to the reality of "Oh crap,this is bad".They deserve to disappear with the receding tide.
If they can't cut the mustard,then leave,Ill even help them pack.

It is difficult to understand why this event occurred. In the video the man, Robert, was essentially upset but in my opinion he wasn't threatening. It calls to question why the RCMP are acting as security guards for what was up to that point mischief or a property crime, and then taser a man for what essentially was a hissy fit. A bar bouncer could have addressed the situation better, let alone 4 of them. The taser could be considered a useful tool to subdue violent offenders, which is to ensure the safety of the officer and the offender, but in this case it killed the target and from the video it is hard to justify its use. Are the RCMP officers that electrocuted Robert saying that if they didn't have the taser they would have shot him? Several mistakes are made and I think all constabulary need to have better defined rules on the use of the Taser, as it clearly can be a deadly force.

Julian Fantino has said the public has no idea, and there was not this much out cry for the cop killed in the north.That we are devoid of fax(I bet they have sent people to jail with less fax). Taking on a job as a cop one expects some danger. But getting killed over a ten dollar table and a keyboard.At an international airport. I see Julian likes the status quo. In other words he wants to be part of the problem. Because if he can't see a problem, you have to ask who that serves us can. The rest of the world sure can see a problem.

Keystone cops. Lacking in common horse scence.

I now see this incident from a totally different angle. When I pass a vagrant on the street or someone who looks like they are in a gang I don't bat an eye. I feel very safe in Canada. Especially after living abroad in a 3rd world country.

When a police officer is near me I fear them more than any "undesireable" person. What if I am trying to deal with a situation when the police gets called? Say a dispute over a fender bender or someone who was trying to steal my wife's bag on the Skytrain? Can I trust the police to properly deal with ME, a law abiding, sane and rational person who may find themselves in a bad siutation where the police are my biggest threat to personal safety?

I live above the New Westminster Police station. I used to think I was safe. Now, I feel that my best protection is to just avoid any confrontation and to not stand up for my rights or someone in peril - doing so might get me killed.

That is not the Canada I grew up in.

Welcome to the new world order.

This man was not a threat to anyone; yet the RCMP couldn't be bothered to take the time to help him. What on God’s earth caused the RCMP to act so thoughtlessly? What was the urgency in subduing this man who was of no threat to anyone? The problem here was not the Taser, but the use of that Taser.

Beyond exhausted and confused, I'll bet that after waiting 10 hours, Robert Dziekanski was - like any good son - worried to death about his mother. That was the point at which our 4 so-called finest walked in like mindless robots and did their inexcusable deed. That is indeed enough to break your heart.

But was even worse to see the heartless, self-serving reactions of the leadership of the Vancouver airport (Berg), RCMP (Elliot) and the Canadian Border Service (faceless bureaucrat).

I kept thinking "this is so horrible - why can't they apologize, and show the tiniest bit of remorse?" What happened, happened on THEIR watch, and you would think that they might have at least offered reassurance that it would never ever happen again.

That is why I was so relieved when Premier Gordon Campbell had the guts and humanity to apologize for what happened. I am really not one to like politicians, but after hearing Gordon Campbell's words, it's clear to me that at least we have one leader who knows to do the right thing. Bravo Premier Campbell for stepping up to the plate where others failed. I know that an apology can't bring Robert back, but I think his words were a balm for our collective psyche. At least one of our leaders actually knows how to lead.

I do not understand why so little has been said in the media regarding the actions of Robert Dziekanski. He was throwing a table and a computer, surely he didn't think this was an acceptable way to ask for help? Any sane, mentally stable person would understand these actions would lead to being arrested. The police wanted to subdue this man as quickly as possible using a method that to their knowledge was safe, quick and effective. I do not see why the media is berating a police force that was simply trying to protect the citizens in the airport from a potentially violent man. It is an unfortunate outcome, but some blame must be placed on Mr. Dziekanski himself.

great article, the worst part is that the RCMP tried to cover it up right after it happened. the RCMP on the scene reported a much different version than showed on the video tape. My guess is that they were not planning on giving the video back at all. That is the most disgusting aspect of it. I don't understand how the RCMP hopes for the populace to trust them and have faith in them. I mean they have murdered 17 people like this, and in at least this case, tried to cover it up. Sounds more like the work of criminals than police officers.

This is really a tragic event. I am just thankful for Paul Pritchard for videotaping this and fighting the RCMP, after they told him they would return the tape back the next day but didn't, to get it back...he had to threaten a lawsuit to get his own video back!. This is really a wake up call for us Canadians to question how the RCMP have been acting...maybe the RCMP feel they have a little bit too much power without coincidence?

It is incredibly easy to make judgments after the fact. Having said that, the RCMP in this case and in others recently have contributed to a probable change in the perception of our country around the world. We expect these kinds of activities from police forces in third world countries not from what has become, at least in the past, the most highly regarded police force on earth. I do not however, entirely blame the officers concerned. They have a tough job to do and if what I hear is correct they were all young officers without an NCO in charge. We have had young officers killed in the line of duty. We have had officers using more force than is reasonably justifiable in the circumstance. I lay the blame, at least in part, on the federal government who have cut back on funding for our national police force. I would hope that senior RCMP officers and politicians will take this matter in hand and move very quickly to restore our faith in the RCMP. I, for my part, still have faith in the RCMP. We need to remember that the members are human beings, prone to failure and lack of judgment the same as the rest of us. There is an old saying about "walking a mile in the other man's shoes". There will be an inquiry and with a little luck and some hard work we will be able to shore up the holes in this leaky boat.

One of the most troubling aspects of this incident of this was the lack of transparency by the RCMP brass. They were not very forthcoming and actually tried to keep the video until threatened by a lawsuit for it's return...I'm surprised it wasn't "accidentally" erased, given the damning evidence. I listened to their official mouthpiece try to trivualize the event...then try mitigate what happened with a positive spin.

These are the same guys who will testify against you in court be it for a serious crime or simple speeding ticket. And based on their testimony and evidence you could go to jail for a very long time...guilty or not. Scary or what?

It's the lack of ethics...even blatant dishonesty that is most troubling ..even frightening...this sort of stuff is commonplace in tin-pot banana republic dictatorships... now Canada??

The spin doctors are out in full force... note this comment from the manufacturer of the Taser:

" TASER International issue statement

"Historically, medical science and forensic analysis has shown that these deaths are attributable to other factors and not the low-energy electrical discharge of the TASER(r).” said Tom Smith, Founder and Chairman of the Board of TASER International, Inc.

"Cardiac arrest caused by electrical current is immediate. The video of the incident at the Vancouver airport indicates that the subject was continuing to fight well after the TASER application. This continuing struggle could not be possible if the subject died as a result of the TASER device electrical current causing cardiac arrest.

..."subject was continuing to fight" ..yeah right Mr. Smith.. he was writhing in pain and he was in the throes of death.

It will be interesting to see how much of the public enquiry will be devoted to the use of taser guns at the expense of bringing to justice and public approbation those senior officers in the RCMP, the YVR executive and members of both federal and provincial governments, all of whom ducked their responsibility for not immediately calling the taser death what it was- a needless and stupid death committed by apparently badly trained and ill-supervised officers. Instead, the conversation quickly turned to the use of the taser, another slick maneuver to gull a supposedly innocent public.

The attention now revolves around the future use of tasers; Robert Dziekanski no longer has a future, and I believe his death should be the primary focus of the enquiry.

Indeed, a second enquiry, focusing only on the use of tasers would surely be in the best interest of us all; but then, who can imagine any of these disgusting glib prevaricators doing anything except serve their own best interests by moving the spotlight- and the public be damned.

Our national police force has become a joke - it is time to disband and form regional policing forces - I say this only because it has become apparent that the RCMP today lacks the integrity and obviously the training they used to have - too many are dying because of the tasers and they seem to be using it rather than their brains - thank God for the video otherwise we would have had another ( and I do mean another ) cover-up based on how the incident was first reported by the RCMP - shameless lies!!

The question "fluke or pattern?" is not too early to determine. It is statistically observable from data. I think you will find that we count both immigrants to Canada, and immigrants killed by police at the airport. Do the math.

Your suggestion that Canada may or may not have a tradition or policy of killing immigrants shows an extremely poor understanding of the country.

I was shocked and disappointed after watching the video. I feel disgusted by the way the RCMP reacted to a foreigner who had just entered Canada. I hope justice is served and the people responsible for Roberts’s death receive adequate punishment.

Kudos on writing and publishing this article! The worry is that what happened in Vancouver is a reflection of much more than a few ill-judged actions, more than just problems with the RCMP. In the name of security and protecting the public, the mechanisms and responses of a faceless and heavy-heanded state can slowly begin to seem familiar, even acceptable. We can be glad to see that this incident has rung alarm bells, but let's hope our policy-makers are concerned with issues deeper than just better public-relations management.

In Canada if the Rcmp. tasered your dog or your cat this country would go nuts with outrage and ban the weapon. But it's ok to zap a human being with 50,000 volts.

We need a full public inquiry into policing in Canada in general.

Recently the YouTube camera has exposed the Surete du Quebec dressed as protesters and carrying rocks, mingling with peaceful protesters at the heavily guarded closed-door talks between the Canadian, American and Mexican top government officials in Montebello, PQ. What was that all about? Was it to create a fuss in the peaceful crowd so police could deliver a "your protest is not wanted in this 'democracy'" message?

This year Ontario completed the Ipperwash Commission report and we read how the OPP decided (against their own policies) on a heavily armed night march against unarmed native protesters at Ipperwash. That resulted in the beating, almost to death of Cecil George and the death of Dudley George. (Six months after the Ipperwash Inquiry Report, a recommendation for an apology to Cecil George on the part of the OPP remains unanswered by the OPP. They still don't get it.)

.. Saskatoon's police became famous for their "Starlight Tours" - an euphemism for taking native people far out of town and dropping them off with no protection from the winter cold. (It can go to -40 degrees there.)

.. and now the YouTube video of unarmed Robert Dziekanski being tasered to death by four well-protected RCMP in a Canadian airport.

These incidents are like ground tremors that tell us that big things are going wrong - usually beyond our view. Citizens and democracy are facing some chilling threats from policing in Canada. Do we need a public inquiry? Yes, but the scope should be "Policing in Canada".

Stephen Harper, I sure wish you were as concerned about the interests of Canadian citizens as you are about the interests of your business buddies.

Whatever happened to police being able to handle an individual the old fashionned way. Don't they take classes in self-defence and submission martial arts? Isn't this part of the training? Why do we need them carrying around lethal electric guns? And what's with the itchy trigger fingers? Tazer the man once for the love of God! Not three or four times!!

This was certainly one of the few bits of Canadian news to make it to CCTV and the Hong Kong channels, and the reaction here was not so much horror as surprise. "But we thought you didn't do things like that..."

I think it beyond doubt that the Mounties are completely out of control, and have been for many years (burning barns, Maher Arar, APEC, embezzled pensions &c;) but I would like to take this in another direction. When all is said and done I am certain the Mounties had no intention of actually killing the fellow. The real question as far as I am concerned is what on earth were the incompetents who purport to run YVR up to? There was no reason for this to end up as a security question at all. Even a minimum of decent passenger service could have prevented all this. YVR does not provide even that minimum. From an operational point of view it is hopelessly inadequate. It is beyond belief that no interpreter could be found in an international airport, it is unbelieveable that this poor fellow was left bewildered for hours, it defies comprehension that such a relatively simple misunderstanding (non-passengers cannot, in fact, meet arrivals at the luggage claim) escalated in such a tragic manner. Unbelieveable, that is, until you know YVR. 2010 will be a disaster unless changes are made to the management of this pathetic facility. Every time I fly from HK to YVR I feel like I've stepped on the wrong flight and landed in some third-world dump.

Cheers,
dba

The RCMP should take full responsibility for their actions . This is an action we would expect to see in a war zone . Those officers acted too quick and should be penalized for there mistake.
If I made a mistake like that on my job I would be fired instantly with .
Saddest part of this is now the family will greive for the rest of their lives and no apology can bring him back. I,m a true Canadian but I,m still disgusted .

Kindest regards,

Blair Broderick

The fact that noone from the RCMP has resigned over this shameful incident, coupled with their initial response which was to lie about the actions of the victum, speaks volumes as to the lack of integrity and honour present among the ranks of this rogue agency.

POLICE OFFICERS SHOULD ALL HAVE TO WEAR CAMERAS AND MICROPHONES) I saw this video and for some reason I wasn't surprised. The police forces in this country are free to do what they please. If an officer treats you unfairly, or assaults you, they just arrest you make up a story and feed you to the legal dogs. Your only defence against their injustice is a good lawyer. If you cannot afford a good lawyer, an overloaded, uncaring, underpaid one will be provided for you. You will cut a deal because you can’t afford to fight and they win every time. Police are after all perfect super people and you are just another lying criminal. The police take what evidence they need to convict you and throw away the evidence that proves your innocence. If they all wore cameras and microphones the next time you get "randomly" stopped or end up with a broken arm and 10 stitches from "ASSAULTING A POLICE OFFICER!!!!" who doesn’t have a scratch on him, you will have real justice.... IF THE COPS HAD TO WEAR CAMERAS THERE FREE ROAM AS GOVERNMENT THUGS WOULD BE OVER. LET’S MAKE JUSTICE WHAT IT’S SUPPOSED TO BE, FAIR AND IMPARTIAL. SEND THOSE MURDERING VIOLENT CRIMINAL COPS TO JAIL, THEY WOULD DO IT TO YOU.

Unfortunately there wil be absoloutley no repurcussions from this tragic event. As usual, there will be inquiry / probe into the events and no officer will be held liable. Maybe just a slap on the wrist (i.e. a short suspension with pay).

I did see the 8m video on You Tube and I strongly believe that this was a terrible terrible accident. I don't blame the RCMP for it. The Man was innocent, which I have no doubts about, but RCMP was called in to control the situation & it was at Vancouver International Airport-An extremely sensitive location in post 911 days. They acted in a non-lethal way, which according to their knowledge and training was supposed to tame the person so he could be moved away for his and other passengers safety. They had no way of knowing what was going on in the mind of Robert Dziekanski ! Had some other person acted this way and harmed other passenger, Canada's integrity in protecting other would have been questioned ! Its a tight spot to be in and no one knew that using a taser would kill anyone !It was a very unfortunate incident and I don't blame anyone for it.Canada is a great country and will always remain one ! My sympathies go out to the family of Robert Dziekanski for their loss. God be with them in this moment of grief and help them cope with their loss.

PUT AWAY THE TASER FOR GOOD!!!!!

It has been weeks since the senseless death of Mr. Robert Dziekanski. Yet, the Vancouver Airport Authority has failed miserably at demonstrating any forward thinking or proactive response to this unnecessary death and shocking incident. For example, the public could be informed that the International Arrivals Area will soon be fitted with a free access telephone line and electronic bulletin board that will post in multiple languages,information on how to access a telephone equipped computer terminal that provides newly arrived passengers with a means to reach by telephone, the consulate for their passport issuing nation. Thus, newly arrived airline passengers who cannot speak either English or French, will be able to access the consulate of their passport issuing nation by dialing the number that appears on the electronic computer terminal. I am convinced that this idea could be greatly improved upon by other readers. Canadians can solve this. They do not need to hear wordy reports from a plethora of politicians seeking to cover their ass. I urge all Canadians to contribute their ideas as a means of countering the solution inertia demonstrated by the Vancouver Airport Authority.

The whole affair is disgusting from start to finish, and I truly hope the RCMP officers involve all face criminal charges for what they've done that can't be taken back.

However, there something about the aftermath I find equally disgusting which you, Mr Burman, encapsulated in this sentence:

'We will never know the precise damage this incident has done to Canada’s image internationally.'

Who cares? Questions like this, and statements repeated in viewer comments in so many media outlets, such as, 'I'm ashamed to be Canadian,' ad nauseam, are almost equally outrageous. An innocent and helpless man is dead at the hands of police – who are _supposed_ to be in service to help and protect the innocent – and everyone is worried about their image abroad? What is wrong with all of you? Is the underlying implication here that as long as your image is pristine and un-tarnished, you're all perfectly okay with anything that happens, as long as it isn't a global public relations disaster? I can't accept this. It suggests a willingness to sweep a great many things under the rug that ought to be fully in the open. It suggests efforts to suppress and censor the truth (whatever it may be), not unlike in the same way the Americans would love to do with Guantanamo Bay, Abu Grahib, so-called 'extraordinary renditions', et cetera, to uphold their manufactured and transparent self-image of 'leaders of the free world.'

And that's where the real shame is. Rather than worry about how your precious image is damaged abroad, you should be mourning this man, prosecuting the guilty and seeking and exposing the truth of injustices perpetrated throughout the country. Your image will take care of itself through genuine feeling and action, not through fabrication.

The cold hearted way the RCMP officers took down this new imigrant then made NO ATTEMPT to recusitate the poor man illustrates how callous law enforcement officers are becoming.

The death is tragic. Not using their first aid training to try and save the man is criminal. Manslaughter charges would be appropriate.

The thuggery of the RCMP in this instance combined with the undoubted fabrication by the RCMP regarding the circumstances of the death of the young man in Houston BC are examples of a systemic problem within the organization. Instead of just being empowered to enforce the law, this group now believe that they are above the law.

I hope and pray such mistakes are not taking place in Afghanistan?

Yes, from Canada and I hang my head in shame as I read the above story for it is very true and happening much, much too often here!
We now seem to be a police state that when something happens with the RCMP, it is usually swept under the rug!!!
There is nothing more to say, only feelings of deepest sorrow for this man's family and hope that someday Canada can deal with the law and lawless in the open and honestly.

believe the video. Tazers should be used only by specials in the police comunity. the average cop has to much to do protecting us writing tickets.

I've heard from several American friends and they wonder whether Canada is, again, following the US lead. Our leaders set the tone and that tone sounds suspiciously like it is coming from the south. But how can it be otherwise when our Prime Minister is Bush lite and we have the likes of Stockwell Day speaking for the government on this issue. Is this what their new "tough on crime" looks like?

I think the officers should be charged with involuntary manslaughter. It would be the charged laid against any member of the public. These mounties disregarded any sense of proffessional responsibilty to carrying out their jobs. They just wanted to see what a taser would do to an unarmed man. 3 - 5 years each would suffice. and then the mother should sue the RCMP and the governments,a s well as the airport authority.
If you want to be in a position of authority, you should excercise it with deference to human safety.

I can tell you this much, there are many police here in Canada that care little about the truth. They formulate their opinion well before they get to the situation. I was recently told by a police officer that I was "in trouble" and I casked him "for what? Im not doing anything illegal" his response was "I'll find something to arrest you for". To bad for him even after searching through his little book he couldn't find anything to arrest me for and then told me to "get lost". I haven't even as much as gotten a speeding ticket in over 20 years, and all I was doing was standing out on the sidewalk and the store owner didn't like it so he called the cops...
There are many cases of people being arrested or beaten up by the police without any provocation or proof of any crime. This is no fairy tail Im talking about, the police hear in Canada are becoming very arrogant and power is going to their heads...

Four RCMP officers attended this incident and none of them had brains enough to realize this man was only confused as to why he was in an isolated area??Help is what he wanted and it is quite obvious, that whatever the RCMPs first comment was, served only to frustrate him further.We see him throw up his hands and walk away from the officers knowing there was no help coming from them either. This is when our,super heroes of the west, took action.Tasering him and then some 400 lbs of ignorant cops crush him as he lay wreathing on the floor .What a horrible, shame ful sight that was.
Far too mounties are using these weapons along with brutal tactics to subdue harmless people.ie, the man in chilliwack, the teenage girl in the store.the old man in Kelowna.The RCMP seem to be,having fun, doing this taser thing rather than use the abilities they have been traind to use.AND,after each incident,we get lies to cover their butts with.There have been far too many killings at the hands of our RCMP and this has to stop.A good example ov coverup is the young man shot in the head in Houston BC a while back.
Thanks to the young man with the camera at the airport their lies only got started.I wonder what their coverup plan will be after the world has seen this video???We can expect the whitewas ,as usual, but we will be watching!!Our police in Canada have become far to brutal.
Heres hoping the public keeps the pressure up because what they are hoping for, is for us to put it in the back of our minds while theDELAYED, investigations take place, and then calmly say to their results,Oh well! What did you expect.
It never takes months to start a murder investigation so why this one?? This is a criminal offence and only because its the RCMP, it gets shelved until someone deems the public has calmed down.People,PLEASE, stay alert!!Larry

Civility and common sense are withdrawing from our Canadian society real fast. We are no longer care about others as much, we are no longer consider ourselves nation of peace keepers, we no longer look at our National Police Force and feel pride, ……and on and on. We are simply following the American lead more and more and rapidly our societies would be at par as our dollar is!

My heart goes out to his mother...we have in our family 4 RCMPs and please people don;t paint all of them with the same paint brush..there in good in all of them some just forget to show it.I am NOT condoning what they did in Vancouver and I hope and pray that they will get their due..and no penatly will bring back Robert but it may help to heal wounds right a cross the world but espically his family.

I understand devises like Tasers or pepper spray were first introduced to provide enforcement officers with a non-lethal alternative when presented with a volatile situation. Essentially when they historically would have been pulling out their gun they could instead pull out a Taser. I am concerned that the convenience and possible over confidence in something like a Taser may make some officers more apt to use it far in advance of when they would have considered un-holstering a gun. If Tasers or other devices are merely being used to ensure that a heated discussion does not escalate a physical altercation, then I feel we are treading down a very dangerous path in our society.

Porponents for taser use argue that they are a non-lethal alternative to guns. However I'm fairly certain that in the absence of a Taser, a gun would never have been used in this incident.

It appears the Taser is becoming a weapon of convenience for police forces in order to gain easy compliance as opposed to being used to difuse dangerous situations.

It seems that the attitude of police towards citizens is that you will be violently engaged if you do not listen to orders. Smacks of police state mentality to me.

Quite scary actually, Canadians should not be condoning this behaviour. People at the top need to lose their jobs.

response to eric miller's comment...i couldn't have said it better. i totally agree with you "dido." i wouldn't pull over for the police (even if they had their lights flashing) till i got to a public place where there were witnesses just by the way they can lie and not to mention killing you. these guys (or should i say thugs) acted like bar room bouncers rather than like police who are to repect and serve the public. these guys probably grew up watching COPS on tv and think thats how its done. they should be fired and alot more of them because this is not an isolated incident its just the first time they've been caught.

I really never understood the position of young people in my neighbourhood that the cops were something to be feared. I had never had a problem, and they were cops afterall. I had faith in our country to do the right thing, but we sent Mr. Arar to be tortured. I had total faith in Canadian people, but then I read that we had produced home-grown terrorists. It has been hard to come of age when I question how proud I really am, I question the police, the goverment, and soldiers, and even through this confusion it is clear to me that THINGS SHOULD BE QUESTIONED, we should not sit idly by, we should stand up for what we want. Finally, it has been most difficult to accept when anyone, ever, uses the "this is a post 9-11 world" excuse. What does that even mean? Now, anyone who arouses any suspicion, no matter how vague, deserves to be treated in an inhumane way? As a person who looks of middle-eastern decent=possible terrorist, MY post 9-11 world has been marked by anger, bitterness, sadness...you cannot use that tragedy to create more. People know the dangers of tasers, and if they didn't, than that makes it even scarier they are being issued to people with ignorance over their lethal capabilities. I apologize for my rambling, but I am a young, distraught person, who just hopes and prays that we all come together and get justice, hold people accountable, not just sit back and make excuses, or assume this is just the way it is....thanks.

I think this is the true success of the terrorists. The right wing approach of a 'war on terror' plus the provision of this new 'non-;ethal' gun called a taser has emboldened the police to become far too aggressive. The video seems to show four policemen who tasered a man because they couldn't be bothered to try to even understand the situation.

For me, the most frightening thing is the lies these officers, immigration and airport officials told until the video was made public. Lying to a police officer, or immigration official is a serious offence for the rest of us, but somehow we accept it from them. To me, these lies are the same as fleeing the scene of an accident to avoid taking responsibility.

The right has it wrong when they think that the removal of the checks and balances on law enforcement and civil liberties is the best way to combat terrorism. These checks and balances we have developed through democracy are our best weapon against terrorism, As we witnessed, their approach is terrorism.

The RCMP and most police in Canada have a license to kill,they think they are above the law and no one can touch them,give me those 4 RCMP guys plus the RCMP person that lied about the killing along with a taser, and we'l see who lives or dies, maybe bring along the idiot that developed the taser and has the audacity to say "oh they dont kill anyone" even tho deaths occur just about everyday to persons after being tased, he would be singing a dfferent tune when I got done with him,It looks like we are in a police state already, shame on CANDA.

Tony's writing really wraps it up - and very powerfully at that. As a former CBC News reporter myself (one who's lived abroad for nearly 15 years), I could barely believe what I saw. This just wasn't my Canada either. The journalist in me said, 'wait' these things always evolve - early info is unreliable. Experience told me that 'everyone has an angle' so beware. But I knew by watching this, like most of you, that what I was seeing was undeniable - it was there for you and me to see and it was conducted by four - not one - but four of what Canada likes to call its 'best' police - not 'crackers' drawn from some TV-show about some US police dept. If this has shaken Canada and the confidence of its people then maybe that's timely. Let's learn, let's bow our heads, and let's FIX IT.

Firstly, the man had a criminal record and should not have been allowed into Canada at all. Secondly, if you were emigrating in a planned fashion to a foreign country, would you not learn enough of the language to safely arrive and find family or friends?His mother had been here long enough to instruct him on our laws and habits and also to inquire about all the possibilities upon his arrival.
This man's bad attitude and ridiculous behavior brought about his death, not a taser.

We have already heard this story countless times from different places. Airports, and air travel in general have become extremely stressful. We all understand the need for increased security, but this needs to be matched by increased emotional support for travelers. If someone is upset there should be people on hand to help them calm down so that accidental deaths resulting from misunderstandings like this can be avoided in the future. If the airports, airlines, and security services will not take responsibility for providing social services to travelers, then it is up to Governments. Average Canadian citizens need to lobby the federal government for change. I'd rather see my tax dollars spent on hiring airport social workers than public inquiries.

Too bad an eye for an eye doesn't apply,otherwise these four badge wearing yahoos who be on a plane to Poland for a taste of their own medicine.

It's good to see that so many people have read this and are concerned about the issue. For a while, I was losing my faith in this country I've always loved so much and thought to be such a safe place.

While I'm sure that most of the officers across this great land are good, decent people, we must remember that power corrupts. What is worse, power attracts the easily corrupted. Unfortunately, in many cases we'll never know that an officer has become a monster until he or she has committed some kind of offence such as this, and even then, I'm sure that often times the officer in question will get away with it because they will "protect their own."

Maybe we should have a Royal Commission on how to keep our people in uniform more like the people they're supposed to protect...

"Fluke" or "pattern"? The CBC story 'Man dies in N.S. jail after Taser hit' just came out 8 minutes ago. How effective or humane are these "non-lethal" technologies? There should be an immediate moratorium...

The RCMP is a disfunctional federal agency. Ottawa appears to lack either the will or the ability to reform it to the standards that Canadians excpect and deserve. It's a sad day when Premier Campbell, who has no jurisdiction over any of the agencies involved, is the only party to respond in a timely and appropriate manner. It's time for British Columbia to form a provincial police force and send the RCMP packing.

The image of police work as community service is past due. Police work has become thuggery and police keep order through fear. Our nation will never progress as long as we continue to view these thugs as community leaders. How is it possible that a police officer is the most powerful civil servant commonly encountered yet the public does not vote on the policies he acts under?

Except for a few outliers most people seem to agree that the RCMP, and perhaps most of the country's law enforcement organizations, are becoming more and more American in their approach to community service... shoot first, ask questions later.

However, the most disturbing aspect of all of this is how the RCMP, the airport authority, the city of Vancouver, the provincial government and the federal government did so little for so long, hoping Canadians would just accept this brutal behavior by law enforcement officers as the "price to pay for security".

When did law enforcement officers, who are supposed to serve and protect, become above the law?

A most shameful day for Canada when four officers, within 30 seconds, Tasered to death a person who just wanted the Canadian dream... sad, sad, sad.

It's sad to see a man die from an incident like this.

Obviously there will be a inquiry into this, but everyone seems to be drawing their own opinions? Some are saying he was tasered 3 or 4 times which doesn't seem to be the case. With the acts of 9/11 police are more than likely to be on high alert for someone in an AirPort who is tossing Computers and other things around. The AirPort/the police should have had a Russian translator there to help this man but he didn't help his own cause by starting to throw stuff around. I'm not saying he deserved to die or be tasered but with the heightened security and perceptions with the AirPorts people will take immediate action to resolve situations.

We have heard very little from the Airport in all of this...how is it possible someone was wandering around arrivals for 10 hours and no one, no one asked this man if he needed help? Surely they need to take some of the blame for this incident. How is it his mother was told he never arrived? Did anyone really look? Surely the 10 hours of waiting, without food, sleep, and not to mention lack of communication would agitate anyone scared and confused in a new country. Can someone please ask these questions!

I have a hard time trusting anything the police of Canada say. I hope that are not just another type of mob. Electricuting deaths via tasers are disgusting, savage. As long as tasers are used and kill, Canada cannot say that we do not support the death penalty. Clearly, we do, especially if you are asking for help and have any type of mental disorder. Shame on this country and province for legalizing killing instruments. If people do not come for the 2010 games I will not be surprised.

It greatly disturbs me that our national police are quite prepared to lie when their actions are challenged or even questioned. They have an important and dangerous job to do - we need to know they are doing it with integrity. Do the job, make as few mistakes as humanly possible, admit the mistakes when they happen and fix the problem. It's really not that complicated. Police management must be committed to those principles above all others and certainly above self-interest. Let's not tolerate the cover-up. Let's use this tragedy to talk about Tasers and about earning back our trust.

As I watched the video I was disgusted then sad then I got angry. There is so many people to blame for this sensless murder of an innocent man. Where were the airport officials? I would think that more than one employee of the airport knew some one was in the arrivals area and in distress, then you can hear people say in the video " He speaks Russian" How about getting on the intercom and asking if there is anyone in the airport that speaks Russian to come to the arrivals area to help a man in distress.
Now the Govt officials are saying how safe tasers are. Saying the device has never killed anyone, saying that the people that died after being tasered were sick or over-excited. If the taser did not kill this innocent man what did? After viewing the video it is quite apparent that this innocent man was killed by the RCMP officers. One officer has his knee on the mans neck with about 200 pounds of weight applied, cutting off blood and air to the mans brain. Another officer has all of his weight on back, not allowing him to breath. Then after they realized they had killed him they checked his pulse to make sure he was dead and did nothing to help revive him. If anyone else in our country was video taped doing what these officers did to this innocent man there would have been 2nd degree murder charges laid allready.
I am angry about this incident and will be for a long time, and like some other readers have stated, I also have lost respect for and do not trust The RCMP.

I'm very sorry that Mr. Dziekansky died and I'm sorry for his mother. The video was beyond shocking. The RCMP's initial explanation was shown to be false by the video. All of these factors add up to a pretty black picture.

Initially, I was so shocked by the video, I joined in the loud denunciations of the 4 officers. However, I think we've gone way over the top with our invective against the officers. It seems we are willing to jump to judgement in the same way that we accuse them of overreacting. We are applying hindsight to their actions when we know the end result is dire. They could not have known Mr. Dziekansky was going to die. I expect their training is to neutralize the danger first, and then deal with the other concerns. It ended tragically in this case.

We have the luxury of looking at the video in order to make up our minds what went wrong. We can even pause the action at any point to decide if a particular action on Mr. Dziekansky's part was threatening or not. They had to decide on the spot and in real time. Although I have many questions about how the matter developed and I'm concerned about the misleading information initially released by the RCMP, I will reserve judgement on the officers' actions and motives. We're angry and outraged and are looking for someone or something to blame--but it would be wrong if we were unjust in our consideration of the officers from our need for retribution. Although Mr. Dziekansky was an unsophisticated traveller, upset and hungry, there are many things he could have done differently which would have produced a better outcome. The fact that he didn't respond to the woman who was totally unthreatening, trying to calm him down and offering to help seemed really odd to me. How are the officers supposed to tell the difference between someone who is irrational and someone with violent intent? And does it matter--when such a person could hurt other people whether they intend to or not?

What a great advertisement for Vancouver, the host of 2010 winter games. I'm sure many foreigners will reconsider coming over.

Times have changed. The average citizen now has the power of the internet behind him/her, making it possible to be heard. The days of the police and government officials being able to hide truths from the public are over. Anyone with a computer can publish their story to the world.

This is going to force our officials to be accountable to the public to an extent they never could have imagined before.

As a former wife of a police officer I know that there are more stories that our law enforcement officers should be ashamed of then the public ever hears.

Shame on the RCMP and other police forces for tarnishing the Canadian reputation globally rather than used the take down measures they have been taught in police college.

Shame on airport officials at Vancouver Airport for not doing something as simple as arranging for a translator to speak with this man.

My sympathies go out to the mother of this polish gentleman, I hope that the concern of the Canadian people provides her with some comfort.

its an outright evil weapon and totally unncessary for 99% of police work.

1191 of these tazers being used in canada and 16-17 people dead

100000 tazers in the usa being used...
how many dead???

used by 5000 police forces world wide ..
how many people dead???

this is product designed by a sick mind and is being used on everyday people to force
"compliance" what the hell IS that?..are we robots and not entitled to have any emotion at all? and if we display emeotion we are called many things ..uncompliante- aggressive - combattive and anything else they can dream up to make a case for the use of it and just shoot us with 50000 volts?.
as oneperosn said above if this may animnals had been tazeed and died there would be marches in the streets and anarchy in this country.

are we as a human not entitled to as much consideration as an animal? or are we in their eyes just animals to subdue.

The influence of policing in this country by outside sources..the usa and others is part of the problem. And although some have said herethat the 4 mounties or special constables what ever they were should be charged,realize they were doing what they were told to do by manage ment and training..solets lookat management...all the way to the top.

Ive never felt less proud to be a canadian in my whole life than when I watched that poor man die over that.

Is this any different than torture at Abu Gharib? not at all

what kind of country do we want here?.. ask that question often.

The whole thing is disgusting

All I have to say is,beware of police people. Next time it could be you

The cops (although certainly culpable for their disgusting actions) never would have even been involved IF the Vancouver Airport staff had done their job rather than just taking the "make something up-tell them anything-maybe they'll just go away" approach. This is all too common in many public contact jobs these days and is the real underlying cause of this tragic travesty.These people need a major attitude adjustment. AND thanks to the guy with the video camera because we know without him the ugly story would have been completely hushed up.

I doubt that the R.C.M.P. will ever be able to restore the reputation that they once had. There have been to many unlawful incidents occurring within their ranks for them to ever restore that reputation. I for one no longer have any respect for the force and doubt if I ever will simply because they have become very good at covering up their mistakes. If it hadn't have been for this young man's video I am sure that the incident at the Vancouver Airport would have been covered up as well.

As a registered Nurse, I have been in situations where patients/clients are extremely aggitated and confused. I have recieved training (yearly)in non-violent interventions. These techniques really work. No nurses have been injured, and the clients are safe. I wonder why these methods were not tried before going to taser. Also, the lack of first aid by the officers on the scene is appalling. CPR should have been initiated immediately...maybe the outcome would have been different. Very sad...

My question here is, What happen to the four RCMP officers who tasered this guy to death? Are they still on the job?
anybody who know the answer, please post the answer
James
Toronto

Dear editor, I must tell you that I find the RCMP Commissioner’s response to the Vancouver airport Taser incident to be a disappointing pile of rubbish, and that’s being kind. How many trained officers does it take to bring one unarmed man under control? I fear that without the video, which enabled all of us to see what happened at the airport, the police would have just continued to spin the story to their advantage. And, sadly, this is not the first time! Hell, one of their members in Houston, BC, shot young detainee, Ian Bush, in jail in the back of the head for the mere contravention of drinking a can of beer in a park. Now there was a hardened criminal for you! The Commissioner should immediately resign if he sees nothing wrong in the “airport homicide” fiasco.
But that’s not all: for Vancouver airport is supposed to be a highly secured zone, and why o why did nobody clue in the Mr. Dziekanski was lingering, though not of his own volition, for some TEN hours! - some International Airport just ripe for the Olympics. Not!

I don’t buy it…

Tasers don’t kill people, neither do defibrillators or electric fences. All these devices generate high voltage but no current, it’s current that kills not voltage, any electrician will tell you that.

If you look closely at the video you will notice that after the struggle one officer bludgeons Robert in the head with his Baton 3 times. These are the killing blows, Robert didn’t die from electric shock he died of head trauma. The Coroner’s report will confirm this in a few days.

All this nonsense about tasers in the last week has been a big smoke screen, from the Vancouver police chief’s smooth well crafted lie to Stockwell Day show boating for the press instead of doing his job, to the media on cue publishing any and every story about tasers to misdirect the public attention.

What is the greater crime, bludgeoning a helpless man to death or conspiring to conceal the truth?

Myself an immigrant to Canada, I remembered the excitement of going to a new country (not any but Canada), the scenic brochures of the Canadian landscape with the RCMP riding their horses a made Canada seems like heaven on earth. How wrong!! That poor guy never saw it coming. Being killed like an animal by certain members of a force that is an iconic symbol of Canada! Poor man should have just stayed in Poland. Just sad! I hope Just will be served!!

There is a rush to pass judgement on the conduct of the RCMP. Regardless of the taser action the RCMP is still the best police force in the world and entering Canada is one of the most friendly events for a tired traveller. These days you have to be at your best behaviour at airports and regardless of your language a passenger has to learn how and where to seek help at arrivals. The airlines are usually good at helping passengers who do not know where to go. Do your homework ahead of time. Are there other times when the RCMP had killed friendly visitors to Canada? People can scream as loud as they want and they can watch videos but if the officers followed procedures then then the pictures are not telling whole story and they don't always tell the complete story.

Taking tasers away is a very bad mistake. Do the police need more training for similar situations and the use of the taser? Of course they do, any police force should constantly be updating thier training especially with weapons.

Take them away and you've left them with basically one weapon. Their sidearm. Of course a bullet in the chest will certainly get ones attention.

Last month all access to my home was blocked for several hours due to a marathon. Although marathon organizors had advised police to allow residents in and out, somewhere along the line there was a miscommunication.

When I arrived at my street I was denied entry, when I repeatedly informed police that I was a resident and I just wanted to go home, I was told it's not their problem. When I continued to press for my right to go to my own home and I wanted to speak with someone in charge, I was threatened with arrest for disturbing the peace.

I was shocked over this incident and immediately complained to several sources, the police, the mayor and my councillor. My councillor, John Filion, basically fluffed me off, the mayor, David Miller did not respond and the police essentially blamed the marathon organizors.

This to me is a reflection of how little regard people in authority have for the average citizen. This incident in Vancouver is a symptom of a much larger problem.

Who knows what would have happened if I got agitated and started demanding my rights. I probably would have been tazed also. I had no choice but to sit in my car for 2.5 hours, 100 metres from my home watching my groceries going bad.

Canada is not the same country it once was.

I am sure the officers will be punished accordingly, likely suspended with pay 'till this all blows over. Bravo Canada!!!! The mounties new motto should be "Taser them all and let God sort them out"

I can't really add much to the many thoughtful comments already given by my fellow Canadians, but I have to reinforce those who have addressed the language issue. I have spent almost all of my 70 years in Alberta, and haven't a Slavic bone in my body, BUT GIVEN A COUPLE OF SENTENCES, I CAN RECOGNIZE AND DISTINGUISH AMONG POLISH, UKRAINIAN, RUSSIAN, AND SOUTH SLAV, even if I can't always tell just what they're saying. Did I mention that I'm not a trained linguist, nor have I ever been farther East than PEI. The apparent "confusion" among airport personnel on all aspects of this issue is absolutely and unequivocally UNACCEPTABLE! This not only was not "confusion" - it actually totally re-defines "utter incompetence".

The man was wearing light clothing; the issue of explosives or weapons was absolutely non-existent. And to watch 4 supposedly fit young men never come within two metres of the man in an effort to subdue him, but taser him, literally within seconds of arriving on the scene - Four highschool football linemen could have done a better job. If they're afraid of sustaining minor injuries in the process, they they can only be in the wrong profession. I simply refuse to accept any "if's, and's, but's or maybe's" - not from the Airport Authority, not from the Border Agency, not from the RCMP, and certainly not from Stockwell Day. There are no excuses, and if heads don't roll all the way back to Depot in Regina, then I fear for the safety of not only air travellers and immigrants, but for all of us.

The vast majority of the opinions expressed here are strongly against the RCMP, the use of Tasers and the seemingly increasing fascist attitudes of Canadian police forces in general. I agree completely. What should be done about it? What will be done about it?

I can't imagine what would have come out on this incident without that video. The victim would have been branded a 'terrorist' of some sort. If RCMP had the gut, they should have jumped on this incident right away and investigated and punished those four officers and right out to the chain of command who decided to pull the trigger. I don't think they will ever get to the bottom of anything because almost all cases investigated by them never finished and lost in time.

For our own safety and evidence, civilians nowadays have a responsibility to use video cameras, camera phones etc etc in public places to capture anything that looks weird like this gentleman did.

Three comments.1,Disney got it right,the R.C.M.P.are acting like cartoon characters,especially the upper brass. 2,The communication age includes people with video cameras,standard denials don't cut it anymore.3,The communication age includes counties beyond the borders of Canada,and what kind of private security is being paid for?.

I can't remember when I have been so ashamed of the RCMP. I am an investigator and work with many law enforcement officers. The use of Tazers has a psycholigical assumption they are a harmless way to incapacitate someone. This is NOT TRUE. Many deaths and injuries have been inflicted because of this weapon. I think I would rather be shot and wounded than be Tazered. The Tazer is used without forethought because it is touted as being harmless. I think we should stop using this weapon altogether in Canada. If we used this device on animals there would be a public outcry. Surely in these times of modern technology we in Canada hve enough intelligent minds that could develop something a lot less harmless for our law enforcement people to use. Animals are even tranquilized when they are dangerous, not Tazered. I know the Americans use this weapon but for Canada to adopt it,we have made a great mistake.

It seems that more and more the people the police are protecting is themselves and not the public.

I'm as disgusted as anyone with the events, & the fact that the RCMP lied until a tape came out.

There is a forum called the blueline where officers were commenting on this issue. Most were disgusting, and characterize a "us vs. them" mentality. The idea that police can be relied upon to police themselves is asinine.

I've had to resort in the past to carrying a tape recorder at all times while driving due to power-junkies in uniform. That said, I've known some fine RCMP. But it only takes a couple of run-ins with the former to make your blood pressure go up everytime you see a cruiser.

This may be indicative of the health of our society. Consider it: healthcare, politicians, special interest groups, police forces seem to have no definite leadership, zero accountability and yet the publice sits by. Why is this? Whatever happened to value for the money, or even the quiet unassuming Canadian standing up and saying "Enough!" to special interest groups who lobby our politicians, who legislate morality yet cannot oversee the services we rely on?

Have we more to endure before we demand accountability from those we grant power to? A bit of common sense is cheaper and more effective than 100 public inquiries that take ten years and nothing changes anyways.

im curious as to how no one in the airport speaks polish and also if this man was in a sercurity station at yvr how come 4 police officers cant take down 1 man they have to shoot him with 3 or 4 tazors like we have the olyimpics coming in 2010 and the whole world is in uproar of this incident. the rcmp really needs to start thinking before they act because in the long run this is more then just 1 man although my regrets to this mans family and i hope that she doesnt leave because of these discusting incident

shameful!!! If these men do not face criminal prosecution the public's confidence in policing and the rule of law will become non-existent. We do not entrust our public servants so that they can kill innocent people. The average citizen would be put behind bars.

RCMP: No excuse for their actions - none. No excuse for their poor training. No excuse for their attempted cover-up - none. Disgusting behaviour all over.

Government: Slow and poor reaction. Another death today in NS.

Taser Inc.: Must be sued into oblivion. The Taser executives should be jailed for criminal negligence. Their engineers should have their P.E. licenses pulled.

Sell your Taser stock before it tanks.

Its time to rein these cowboys in, their using these tasers on people like they were cattle,and in most cases only when the person is "upset".If theres a weapon they blow you away,cant they shoot these people in the foot or leg,i mean if i can shoot a waterfowl going by the blind at dusk whens its travelling 40mph cant they hit someone in the leg 10ft away.oh yah then thered be a lawsuit,cant have that.These guys have to start answering to someone and not themselves.the job of a cop,sorry guys not profession, you need a university degree for that, not a grade twelve diploma and an uncle on the force,is no doubt difficult in some situations,but there are a lot of citizens dying needlesly at the hands of the ones who are paid too protect us.

Primary medical response, (first aid), at the Vancouver Airport, is handled by the FIRE
DEPARTMENT- they were never notified. A Polish-speaking employee of the Vancouver Airport-and on shift at the time- became so upset, that he was fired from his job !?!
Too bad there was no tourist handy with a camcorder when Ian Bush was shot to death in a B.C. RCMP station.
Stephen Harper promised us "accountability" when he was elected Prime Minister of this country- how's about some accountability from the various police farces?

On the main page of the CBC, the link to this article says "International community shocked by Taser death". Shocked. Accidental or not, it's witty.

The strongest contributing factor to Canada's corruption is that government operates as a secret society. Whenever an incident comes to light, whether bribery or violence Canadians' right to know is buried under the "cannot comment while it is under investigation" & "wait for the report" mantras. Canadians comically accept this week after week. Ironically in this case the RCMP openly display their culture of incompetence and corruption and still Canadians trust them to investigate themselves.

Interesting that the Conservatives were elected to restore accountability to government but within days of being sworn in Ministers assume the role of Spokesperson, protecting the bureaucracy.

Naturally the only person to lose his job over this incident was an innocent Polish speaking worker who broke silence.

Did the Immigration and Customs people pointlessly work over Dziekanski for hours to collect overtime?

Excellent commentary by Tony Burman. Thanks indeed to Paul Pritchard for taking the initiative to video this tragic incident. As a result of this video the attempted "cover up" of actual events was exposed.

It is now up to the professional investigative journalists at the CBC to dig deeper into this terrible saga of errors and find out what indeed did happen during the unaccounted hours this individual spent in an area of the airport controlled by the Canadian Security and Border Agency. I have seen unattended luggage being given more attention than this individual seemed to have been given...that is if indeed we believe that he was not under the custody of the CSBA during the unaccounted for hours.

I'm glad that modern technology is giving the public greater awareness of questionable polic action. If it wasn't for things like youtube and video capable cameras and camera phones we wouldn't know the whole truth about this case. We also wouldn't know about the policemen wishing to incite violence in the protestors during the protest in Quebec recently. The RCMP especially have a history of protecting their own interests and the interests of those in power above those of the common person. A good example is their actions during the Winnipeg general strike or during the Saskatchewan miner's strike in '31. In both cases they intentially incited violence in peaceful civilian crowds, escalating them to the point of firing their guns into these protests, at civilians not wanting violent conflict! Though this line of thought is a bit to field from the topic in this thread, I just wanted to point out that though we often put blind faith in our police force, they are following an agenda that isn't always in line with what the general public's interests are.

Did those police officers attempt resuscitation after the man passed out ?. It would be hard to argue that they intended to kill, nothwithstanding the stupidity of using taser is this particular situation. However, not trying to revive him means intentional condemning the guy to death, because nobody knows if he could or could not be revived. So, if they didn't, they are killers.

These RCMP should be tried and if found guilty should be thrown in jail for murder.

Yesterday, on CP24 they posted that these four RCMP idiots were REASIGNED...not even suspended [with pay of course]

There are two things that horrify me about this killing. One is that he RCMP had already decided to use the taser before they had sized up the situation and the other is the violence with which they subdued him. The thug kneeling on Dziekanski's neck, in particular, should do some time over this for sure.

This man was a convicted felon in his own country and should not have been allowed into Canada. No preparation, no language skills, a bad attitude and a horrendous temper...it all makes for a bad result. Not the fault if the RCMP.

How about we go back to bullets? I think putting the BLOOD back in police brutality would really make it clear to us all.

And exactly why does that miserable taser have to shock a person with 50,000 volts? Hell, I get scared getting zapped when putting in a light bulb! I would give up quickly if the police just took the bulb out of a lamp and threatened me with that!

Yes, let's either get the machine guns out, or damn well start treating citizens like they have rights: until said citizen gets undeniably violent (and it's caught on video because we sure as hell are not going to get the truth from our police forces).

Oh, and two more things: how about it become mandatory that any police officer who blasts someone with a taser has to lock-lips with the poor chap and give him immediate resuscitation. That ought to reduce taser hits to zero considering the homophobia that ought to stimulate in more than one police officer. And if we can't get police officers smooching the victims of their tasering, perhaps it would be judicious to have a "CALL 911 I JUST USED MY TASER" text message sent out by later versions of this space age weapon?

Or, to solve all these problems with tasers.. how about we start hiring and training police officers who actually LIKE the public (and their constitutional rights).

Do I suddenly live in the third world? YUP!

George Keith Young
Montreal

The R.C.M.P. have certainly developed an "above the law" mentality. To bad for them their true character was caught on camera.

I am an immigrant from Poland. There is no country in the world regarded higher in Poland than Canada.
Watching this video I could only say to myself in horror - 'anywhere, in any country, but not in Canada'.
I am pretty sure that many, many people have said to themselves the same.
Police will do what we will allow them to do.
Where is Mr. Day? Where is his leadership?
Let's end the spin. King is naked. Everybody can see it. It's time for the government to see it too.
Chris

Canada is not a nursery school. It is a wild, untamed land with humans matching the severity of its winters - - cold, harsh and unremitting.

Have you not experienced the oil of vitriol dripping from the tongue of a seven-year-old; or watched a father pulverise the lives of his own children in the wake of exonerating the atrocities he himself has committed against them? Have you never seen innocent women and children delivered back into the dogs for reporting them, by law enforcement individuals?

The vast majority of people who come to Canada are front-runners who are hell-bent on outdoing their peer group. They are escaping class distinction, sibling rivalry, and their parents; leaving behind the others to solve the problems in their originating countries.

This lack of accountability leads to the destruction of the environment, the animals and less-competitive people who have been tamed.

We are in a state in Canada where not even the upper echelons are savvy enough to recognise people of great worth; and the faux pas they commit are contributing to their OWN demise, never mind the unwitting on the receiving end.

We should not wonder why we are losing genius. The best anyone can do in Canada today is to be as much of a wallflower as possible and read the the writing on the wall that Jack London gave out in Call of the Wild - - an insightful exposé on the emerging Canadian Psyche. A Vicious Race.

“certainly isn’t what we expect from Canada.”

Unfortunately, very sadly, and much to my embarassment, I think this is what we can now expect from Canada.

If it wasn't for the video, we would all be forced to accept the police story that the man was violent and had to be subdued.

Canada was the first country to cut aid to the Palestinians after Hamas won a free and fair election; Canada unquestionably supported Israel's destruction of the Lebanese infrastructure by air bombing; Canada is dragging its heels and obfuscating on lowering CO2 emissions; Canada refused to speak out against the capital punishment of a Canadian citizen; Canada refuses entry to non-violent peace activists whose worst convictions are $50 trespassing tickets received during peaceful protests; Canada will not provide a haven to conscientious objectors of an illegal war; Canada wants to criminalize large numbers of people for growing an herb that anyone can grow in their backyard; Canada accepts a government which reveals its policies via letters to the editor to avoid consultation; Canada accepts a prime minister who is an autocratic one man show; Canada would rather put people in prison than reduce criminality by supporting families and early childhood education.

This is the new Canada. I don't recognize my country anymore.

I have seen the video and read the stories. I am not a proponent of unbridled police authority, but shouldn't we wait to hear what they have to say before passing judgement? Something must have triggered the police use of the taser and we need to hear all sides before drawing any conclusions.

Just how many lives must we waste it to the Tasers? 100? Or even 1,000?

All side should consider the pros and cons of using forces of subduing any opponent, beacause injuries and death something do happen unnecessarily, which might have everlasting impact of our Canadian image.

If I were there, I'd rather not to bother with guns or Tasers, instead, I'd like to tackle any opponent down for the count....

For far too long the police in this country have been a law unto themselves.The prevalence of cam phones and video recorders will hopefully make the police think twice before tasering or beating someone.No longer should a policeman or policewomans word be taken as gospel.They routinely lie to cover their butts.I think that there should be mandatory cameras and microphones on all police whenever they are dealing with the public.My trust in the police as an institution is long gone.Remember Ian Bush.

When CBC added this discussion to Your View,people missed the point and judged this person as a criminal BEFORE the whole story became known.

There seemed to be NO reasonable discussion about this incident.I recognize some of the people posting on here.

I repeated more than once,that this was going to show Canada in a bad light by the world.

Canadians kept missing the point that this was a foreigner to our country and would become an International incident,now it has become that.

It would do good for Canadians to realize that other countries watch our actions and judge us by what they see,the same as us about their countries.

There was NO EXCUSE for what happened.

Here was a person who didn't speak English,wanted help,became frustrated by his lack of ability to get anyone to understand him and is now dead because of it.

A lesson to be learned by ALL Canadians that not everything is what it seems to be in the media and asking for help comes in many forms and languages.

I am a Canadian immigrant living in this country for nearly 2 years and for sure I am glad to be here. And I am very shocked about what happened in Vancouver's airport.

We can talk about the taser itself, if it's dangerous (and we must debate this) but the issue is how we, Canadians, deal with immigrants and tourists who do not speak any of the two official languages, or speak a little bit of of them.
Mr Dziekanski spent 10 hours in the airport, with no help at all. His mother waited for hours, and the airport staff told her HE DID NOT LAND. It looks like some of us, Canadians, don't care at all to people like Mr Dziekanski or even like me.

All the procedures were wrong, not only the RCMP's but the airport's as well. The cops just acted as the airport's staff: "who's this?".
I agree it will take time to get a full dimension of the damage to Canada's reputation, but one thing is for sure: Canada killed a newcommer in his very first moments in this country.
Canada has a good reputation for defending human rights, comprehension towards cultural diferences, and no one involved in Mr Dziekanski's death understand what all that mean.
It's not only RCMP who must change its procedures: our society must change its atitudes.
My fellings to his mother and family.

The common issue in all the Taser cases is the device itself. Police have been trained to use it because it supposedly enables control without doing serious damage to individuals. Except that doesn't seem to be the case.

A small percentage but still too many people are dying after this device is used on them. It seems that people in an elevated state of excitement are prone to having heart attacks after being jolted. Somehow that does not seem surprising. This "miracle" weapon should be banned until it can be shown that it can be used safely.

A second point would be the police method of controlling an individual when they are on the ground. When a large police officer is kneeling on your head and neck or on your broken ribs, caused by him landing on you with all his weight, do you really think people are going to hold still while they cannot breathe and wait to be cuffed? It seems the method being employed is designed to inflict pain and choke the suspect into unconciousness, rather then just pin them to the ground.

"this shocking and outrageous act by the RCMP to a confused stranger at our doorstep"

confused stranger ??? he was throwing computers and furniture around an airport for goodness sake....

......I hope that someone starts throwing furniture around in your office one day and see who you call....my money says it will be the police, and you will be very happy when they turn up with a tazer.

Dera Sirs, As an electrical engineer I cannot help but wonder if police officers are trained in the dangers of high voltage electricity.
Sincerely Gordon Ball P.Eng. Ottawa

First of all, if this immigrant did not speak neither of the official languages, I do not understand how he expected to integrate here.

Secondly, just because people don't understand you it does not mean that you can start throwing things around.

I am an immigrant myself, and although I speak Spanish, I do not expect for Canada to serve me Spanish in a tray, when I came here I knew that I would have to learn a new language, and three years after arriving I am fully bilingual, both in French and English.

Even when I first arrived and could speak neither language, I made myself understood, and although the immigration officers were anything but nice, I dealt with it like a civilized person, and not like a cow ramming and throwing things around.

This person who died in BC, unfortunately, brought it upon himself.

I can't believe how many of these stories don't tell that he QUIT SMOKING the day before, gave his last 3 packs away, and his mother says yes, he was cleaning up before coming. I'm tempted to think this is being buried to protect his mother. Both he and his mother were clearly not aware of withdrawal effects, and the need to plan that withdrawal. Not get on a long-distance plane, and have to deal with situations such as being stuck in that airport, with a BROKEN phone to get a translator. The airport should be sued for that. This issue is not just taser use.

in my experience most cops are not interested in community policing. They are nothing more than boyscouts eager to grab the suspect. I am a large aboriginal person with education, manners, and no criminal record. But i still get harrassed; once stopped for riding my new mountain bike. I grew up in saskatoon and despite my education, I too fear the police. I totally agree with the general views expressed in this blog that the police are not to be trusted.

The Dzlekanski taser situation was indeed heart breaking. Canadians, sadly, have lost faith with the RCMP specifically and the police generally. It was shocking to see how avid the RCMP were in terms of employing the taser. There was absolutely no judgment shown or assessment of the situation on their part.

For years I have worked with aggressive, demented clients in LTC and know there are many strategies to use in order to calm down an agitated person. Dzlekanske's death was completely avoidable. Baically, he was murdered and the RCMP officers involved should be held totally responsible.

Thanks for the opportunity to comment.

FOR SUCH A LARGE COUNTRY LIKE CANADA WITH SO MANY DIFFERENT NATIONALITIES LIVING THERE, DON'T YOU THINK THIS MATTER COULD HAVE BEEN HANDLE DIFFERENTLY IF A TRANSLATOR WAS ON HAND...U DO HAVE FOREGIN LANGUAGE PERSON EMPLOYED AT THE AIRPORT DON'T YOU????? ANYWAY MY SYMPATHY GOES OUT TO THE FAMILY ..AND THE OFFICERS IN VOLVED IN THE TRAGEDY

As a proud Canadian living overseas I am thoroughly disgusted by the behavior of the RCMP in this incident. It reflects an arrogance and disregard that we associate with less developed countries. Here in Papua New Guinea we complain about the ineffectiveness of the police force, but I would rather have ineffectiveness than brutal disregard leading to death and denial. Come on Canada, we're supposed to be a leading light for democracy, not a cowering police state.

What happend to the hospitality for foreigners who do not speak English? Surely the Airline had a record that this guy could not communicate other than in Polish.

If hanging was abolished for murder,why kill an inocent man. Is that the way of dealing with a problem, do away with it and hide it under the RCMP horse blanket !!

It's so shameful for Canada. Not just because how the police killed the poor man. It's so disgusting how they lie, they cover up. So sick.

The death of Dziekanski a hopeful immigant to canada should have not have happened, but it did,as much as the RCMP and their masters want it now will not go away.
The rcmp at one time, long time ago had the national pride of canada behind them,what has happened to the force to get them selves in this mess?
It starts at the the top the rot is has run right throught the force pensions scandels, the list goes on.
these officers were told and "loosely" instructed to use the taser they did not just end up with these weapons by chance poorly trained in their use not having anys standards of engagment you end up with this public condinmation, and deaths.
Over 40 years ago i signed up with rcmp the only thing then was you were told if you have use your fire arm forget it,find some other way boy have we changed as is decided the force not for me ended up in another proffesion.

We must continue to press on the politicians to seriously investigate the following four issues (in the order of seriousness).

1. The lies and cover-up by the RCMP Brass before the video went public. This must have gone to a very high rank in that organization.
2. Lay criminal charges on the 4 officers on their failure to provide first aid when it was clear that Robert had no pulse.
3. Lay criminal charges on the officers for excessive use of force which is not justified.
4. Disciplinary actions to those who should be held accountable in other agencies such as Airport Authority etc.

In true Canadian fashion we seem to always be able to point figures but wish to turn the other way when a mirror is held up.
What ridiculous comments are being made here about this tragic event. If some of you posters were actually there could you please specify so we know you at least speak with some relevance. There are so many omissions, errors and blatant fabrication in many of these articles. For those of you who speak of living in fear of the police in Canada …you greatly insult those who actually have suffered under real police states. Spend some time and talk to them, they will tell you the difference!
Sure, this incidents demands an inquiry but lets look at everything, not what we want! Has anyone wondered what the Airline that ‘delivered’ Mr. Dziekanksi to YVR has to say? Was he bewildered on the airplane, suffering from panic, intoxicated?? Did he even make it downstairs with the rest of the passengers??
Did Mr. Dziekanksi approach anyone at all in the customs area and ask for help, questions, etc?? Hundreds of people who don’t speak English or French immigrate everyday and seem to get through OK. I believe even young children routinely travel unescorted. Did he not know how to use a telephone?
Why did no one from the public try to intervene before it escalated?! Could someone there not simply take him by the arm and take him outside before he even felt trapped?? Are there fellow travellers at the airport that are now too ashamed because they could have made a simple gesture to assist Robert but didn't. So when it escalated we as true Canadians could stand back, critique and even film, as long as we don’t get our own hands dirty.
So please, if you are going to post please do it intelligently and at least get some of your facts straight.

A dehydrated, exhausted, hungry man is worried sick about his twilight-zone inability to find his old mother. He desperately needs a single friendly PEACE (not-in-name-only) officer bearing not over-the-top weaponry, but a hamburger, to quietly sit down with him, let him know things are going to be fine, and begin to sort things out -- as so they so quickly would have been had a genuine old-time mountie have been there.
Instead he's swarmed by apparent video-game addicts who realise they can use him for target practice since he's European, and heretofore they only get into trouble if they shoot minorities.
-- Why all the bizarre vitriole against the feds in the comments? Justice must be done, and that can only happen through the B.C. prosecutors in cooperation with the Vancouver police. Charges have to be laid, and without delay: 2 charges of assault with a weapon; 3 charges of assault causing bodily harm; 1 or 2 (depending upon the coroner's report) charges of manslaughter; and 4 lesser charges of criminal negligence causing death. The latter must needs be in response to the complete abandonment of the victim by his attackers. (I cannot believe that not one of the four perpetrators -- all highly trained and paid by the taxpayers -- wouldn't know the rudiments of resusitation!
-- Our "protectors" can now only cowardly kill in cold blood? They can't save?!)

Remembering the Rodney King video after I saw the airport video I thought to myself ... what if this landed immigrant had been a visible minority or say an Arab. Can you imagine the damage to Canada's reputation? The shame and the backlash?

One part of the video that troubled me was when the four officers immediately arrived on the scene (the pre-taser 25 seconds). There is some sort of verbal exchange but mostly between the officers themselves. One of the members even passes within a metre of the victim as they form a fairly tight semi-circle around him. But when Robert D. realizes that none of them speaks Polish, raises his arms in frustration and backs away a step or two, the officers quickly spread out further as if they had earlier decided to have him tasered and needed more clearance from the target. The whole thing almost looks pre-meditated.

Later when I heard on the news that one of the officers is heard on the audio confirming that another member "had the taser" as they passed by Pritchard (before meeting Robert D.), I began to wonder if the taser gun was a "new toy" that the group was itching to try out.

It's a shame 18 people have now been killed by Canadian police officers when a taser was involved but it's a very good thing that one of these "incidents" has finally been captured on video so that we can begin the process of eliminating these barbaric toys from our law enforcement arsenal.

Instead of one sensible peace officer attending quietly to the needs of a thoroughly exhausted, dehydrated, hungry, caged and frightened man; we see him swarmed by cowardly bullies apparently eager to perpetrate a frightfully one-sided battle. Please give us Canadians a break, and change the name "RCMP", which reminds us of Walsh, Macleod, and Fitzgerald -- and many other fine men we've known -- to something more appropriate today (like perhaps 'KGB'?).
I've been worried about the force's honour ever since the "Shawinigan Strangler" used the B.C. RCMP years ago to keep his ruthless dictator buddy, Suharto, from being "embarassed". That was just pepper then, but it began a trend of heartlessness and power-tripping which has continued; and all the decency of a fairminded Stockwell Day won't turn it around overnight.
Justice following this horror can only be dealt with by the BC prosecutors offices along with the disciplined cooperation of the Vancouver police. The charges which must be laid, and soon, include: two charges of assault with a weapon; three charges of assault causing bodily harm; one or two charges (depending upon the coroner's report) of manslaughter; and four charges of criminal negligence causing death. I cannot believe that we shouldn't expect these so-called 'peace officers' with the high salaries and expensive training we give them, to at least know the rudiments of resusitation for a victim!

I have said for a long time now that the much vaunted RCMP have become rude and overbearing. They have this I am right attitude and seem to forget all about "protecting and serving" for me they have become nothing more than glorified Tax collectors with some fancy equipment by their side that they obviously do not know how to use. They spend more time on the highway looking for an easy fine than going after the real criminals.When they get out of that safe environment they have no clue how to behave or size up a situation.

As a Canadian living overseas, I was stunned and ashamed by this. Once respected with a proud history known around the world, the RCMP are now seen as trigger happy maniacs (along with occasionally pepper spraying and beating protestors). Is this how they are going to welcome athletes and visitors to the winter olympics? Perhaps someone should tell the RCMP and staff at Vancouver airport that not everyone in the world speaks english or french.

Thinking at first this was an isolated incident, it clearly wasn't. It now appears the RCMP and police forces across Canada are increasing using this lethal weapon against people who don't pose a serious threat, particularly those with a mental illness. These other incidents have now also received widespread coverage across the world, further tarnishing Canada's reputation. No capital punishment in Canada? What is this then?

I do not fault them if they were following RCMP policy, but if that was the case then the policy requires change.

My biggest concern is the statement issued to the public by Sgt Pierre Lemaitre (prior to the knowledge that there was a video, and the info he issued did not match. It is worth a look at on youtube or the news tapes regarding his staements, from the man was combativr, contined to be combative after the 1st taser, was combative when handcuffed, that the man was sat up to prevent choking etc etc - none of this happened and I think that part is most serious for 2 reasons - 1. it smells of an attempted coverup, and 2. if it were not for the video tape - there would have been no incident. Therefore are all canadians at risk at anytime they are stopped by our men in blue or the guys in red? Dr we need a camera running in our cars to record what transpires between the citizen and the authorities? I am totally discusted with our RCMP because of the past problems. I realize thqat there are a ot of good RCMP out there - but obviously there are a number that do not deserve to wear the uniform. THe job of the police is to protect the public - and sometimes in situations they need to protect the person that is acting out.

Does policy of RCMP dictate that any person who is acting abmormally must immediately stop or be tasered? Does this include a confused person who is diabetic nd their suglar or insulin levels are out of order and as a result they act aberrantly? A person having a stroke how is staggering and flailing.

I cannot express how much this incident has affected me, I am at this time rather ashamed as a Canadian in the eyes of the rest of the world.

WE ARE BETTER THAN THIS!!

See what happens when you give toys to boys?

They should be ashamed of what they did and brought up on criminal charges. Someone died due to what looks like negligence while performing their jobs.

This is a case of fearful, ignorant,'shoot-first' mentality of the B.C. RCMP officers.
After seeing the horrifying video, this unarmed male Polish visitor was tasered TWO times, before THREE or FOUR officers pounced on his back while he was face down. Is anyone really surprised he died??!!
These officers MURDERED him. They ought to be fired with a DISHONORABLE discharge. That's the way I see it.
Oh,and ban these taser guns, while they're at it. B.C. has the highest rate of deaths using tasers IN CANADA! I am so ashamed.

The use of a taser does not bother me as much as the behaviour of the RCMP and Vancouver airport authority. Without the video I am sure we would have been told that Robert was violent, agressive and a trouble maker and deadly force was needed, (I believe that the RCMP were already insinuating this before the full video surfaced, blaming the victim the best defence. I was amazed by lack of responsibility shown by airport staff, and the RCMP officers who were repeatedly told Robert did not know any english. The staff at the information desk lied to his mother and failed to even try to do thier jobs, the RCMP though fully informed about the situation went in with a shoot first and ask questions later attitude, incompetence, ignorance and sheer stupidity in action.
The airport authorities did nothing and should be held accountable (10 hour wait, with his mother so close by, she did try the information booth, more than once), the RCMP killed a man after waiting less than 30 seconds to determine if he was a threat ,(such understanding and compassion from those who swear to protect us!). Thank goodness it was caught on video, hopefully drastic changes in airport policy and RCMP tactics will be enforced. I suspect though that in typical canadian fashion the whole episode will be swept under the rug , with no-one held accountable, no changes made, and lots and lots of finger pointing. The end result will be blaming the victim as usual, as it is certainly not the airport authority or the RCMPs fault that they hire and train such incompetent employees,(tounge in cheek), wait, maybe it is thier fault, and they should be made to pay. How else will we restore International and Canadian confidence in those who have authority over us.

I think the point being missed is how we treat our visitors, with care or without care.

There is no care, concern, assistance provided in the first class international airport with tens of millions of foreign visitors who travel through it every year? What is VAA going to do in Olympic? It is ridiculous. This is unacceptable. Vancouver Airport Authority should take and accept the responsibility to improve the airport environment.

Every time we enter the airport, we pay improvement fee, but it is not only the hardware we need to improve, also the soft skills.

Language shouldn't be an issue, just announce it on the public speaker system and I am sure someone who understand the language will be more than happy to help. If it is your pride that holding you back, then now you have to deal with it the rest of your life, because of your inability to resolve the situation, an innocent life is lost.

Think, if you are in restrict area for 10 hours, you must be tired, hungry, frustrated, throwing a chair is not a dead penalty. (How many kids throwing stuffs around?)

Hope we all learn the hard lesson and IMPROVE.

Every cop who uses a tazer for whatever reason, should apppear before a Civilian board, not appointed by some right wing idiot politician,to fully explain his actions, The mounties are out of control,knowing they have harper,and his hang em high cabinet,backing their sickening actions.Best comment so far is lady who suggested that if you are being stopped by mounties,do not, under any circumstance stop until you see a group of citizens who can witness the stop and the cops attitude.

Reading through the hundred-plus comments that this article has inspired is a revelation. Robert Dziekanski's horrible death at the hands of our national police force has galvanized public opinion in a way that few other events have been able to do in recent times.

As Naomi Klein would say, this is a very powerful political moment. This is OUR country, folks: the final outcome of this tragedy is up to US! Canada does not belong to the politicians, nor to the police, although they have certainly been acting like it in the wake of this disgusating incident.
When I bought my local newspaper yesterday, I was dismayed by its screaming headline: 'Police Chiefs Vote to Keep Taser'. 'But', the sub-headline continued, the Dziekanski 'incident might bring change in procedures, top officers say'. Well, you know what? It's not up to the top officers. It's up to us. In a police state, it would be up to them, but Canada is not, or not yet, a police state. It's still a democracy, or was last time I looked, and that means that we, the Canadian people, ultimately get to call the shots on this issue. Let's keep the momentum going, folks, and let's make sure we do end up calling the shots.

Hi Andrew

You must be as hot of blood as you are dim of wit....maybe blind?

I think there is a pattern that is becoming Canadian. From our military now in Combat versus Peace Keeping as it was previously perceived at to the RCMP's brutal assult on rights of Canadians such as that demonstrated in the ARAR case to this incident where an innocent man is killed in what is supposed to be the most civilized nation in the world.It's quite interesting that this "meaness" has begun to rear itself sice our goverment began to be George Bush's lapdog, with the start of the Conservative Government regime.

Portable electric chair? Robert Dziekanski's death is the tip of the R.C.M.P. iceburg and beneath lies a darker truth. Their behaviour has been eroding for years with numerous documented civilian claims of murder, abuse of power, and racial indifference. They behave like military gangs and treat civilians like enemies. Who is training them? Something is terribly wrong in Canada when people are electrocuted, shot, beaten, and frozen to death without a trial. Help!

Seems that most cops are so wimpy these days they can't fight there way from a wet paper bag , so they resort to killing with tazers, cops if you ain't got the guts to fight like a man get out of the force ,all your doing is ruining the reputation of Canada. So the rcmp will do the investigating isn't that just jolly, wheres harper?

The use of brute force and the attitude of RCMP officials and officers are things that should worry us. What can we do to prevent an-idiot-with-taser to make his "heroic-US-movie-like" appearance?!

HELLO .... the last time I (an English speaker) went to a non-English speaking country....1) I didn't wander aimlessly around the airport for 10 hours trying to figure out what to do and 2) I didn't throw objects or furniture. This is nuts! There must have been something wrong with this guyor he did something untoward to the police, the police tasered him, and sadly, he died. Oh yes, by the way, the police purposely tasered him for no reason whatsoever all along hoping he would die. Right? WRONG. Sorry....give the police some credit. Would you prefer a society with NO POLICE AT ALL? What kind of place would that be?

Paul Pritchard is the one Canadian hero in this story. He had the courage to stand up to the RCMP and insist on making this video public. - Besides keeping us all safer, he may have single handedly held back the forces of "manifest destiny" - at least temporarily.

Kudos to Mr Pritchard

I guess my return to Canada in 2008 will have to be postponed. I'm pretty sure I don't want to see my wife get tazered because some RCMP toughs decide they don't like the look of her.

To Hell with Canada.

I am stil shocked on what has been happening on Taser news in this country. It is really very shamefull of the RCMP public image not only in Canada but especially in the international community. This issue regarding the use of TASER MUST be reviewed at the government higher-level.

I agree that tasers need to be banned. They clearly are not accomplishing their purpose of subduing aggitated people without causing lasting harm.
One thing about the States...when things go awry, ordinary citizens can work through agencies like the ACLU or the AARP to agitate for change in effective, meaningful ways. I can't think of any effective citizen action groups in Canada.
Truthfully, I've been pretty apathetic politically most of my life, but I'm starting to feel that if Canada is to maintain its independence and self-respect, ordinary people like me are going to have to become more outspoken and active. But how? I don't want to join a political party, or a single issue lobby group. I don't even know where to begin.
Anyone else feel this way?

Thanks to so many good angles and comments by many in this forum. Thank goodness for the video, which speaks the truth- along with putting a name and face on this man.. along with his hopes and dreams in Canada. I too feel Canadian shame in a big way... again.
Can something good come of this event? I dearly hope so. Please Canada- don't lose the goodness that made you great- for what the world admired us. We were keepers of the peace, the environment, and of human rights.

sThe previous comment frightens me. And Although Andrews belief that language is important to integration holds true, I, and probably most other Canadians disagree with his last statement.

That is, just because someone doesn't yet have language skills does not mean they want to be killed. Nor should they expect to be electricuted to death because they have not yet taken a language class.

Andrew, you're comments are troubling. I think we Canadians need far more sensitivity and understanding of the tradgedy in this case. And we certainly need to push for serious change in police policy and training.

Andrew and Wayne C were the only ones who were rational enough see another side. As a felon and living in poverty with alcohol the polish government did not handle this citizen of theirs very well, but chastized Canada. I expect that all the self righteous commentaters will be as equally supportive of the next police who gets killed because to he couldn't use a taser or was trying to protect a citizen God forbid matbe one of them.

Tasers have to be banned. High voltage is way too dangerous. Why not use sedative darts at least or something less risky. Politicians should do something.

Wake up people!

When people call canadians "plastic yanks", I now realise why. The whole incident and (initial) cover-up could have looked right at home in some third world country.
If I did my job the way those trigger happy gorillas did theirs, I'd have been sacked a long time back. It's a crying shame.

As one Richmond City Councillor pointed out, this shocking display might have been completely averted had the other components of the Polish immigrants arrival been in place. HOW did he get through the first line without SOMEONE noticing he spoke zero English. Surely even Lufthansa could have assigned a meet and greet for this poor man.Then; the as yet silent Border and Security Agency. How preposterous that no one can answer how this man lasted so many hours in the next stage (luggage allegedly uncollected on the carousel) with NO ONE? noticing??????? Has Homeland Security been done away with already? after how much money????????????? Apparently NO co ordination whatsoever between the information kiosks and the distraught and weeping mother and the arrivals hall????????????????? This ISNT the Cache Creek Airport! Its allegedly a WORLD CLASS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT about to welcome the world for one of the largest sporting events on offer!!!. And this is to be put off till a myriad of investigations and court cases until NEXT SUMMER???????????????. Were it not for the anonymous person in the video attempting to reason with the obviously disoriented (by now newfound) immigrant; is there no airport security whatsoever? and if so WHAT were they doing and what was their version that brought in FOUR RCMP OFFICERS.??? The rest is history and has the attention of the entire world. Welcome to Canada. .....Hall of Shame this direction!

Sad to view an incident like the taser job in Vancouver airport.By the size of some of our RCMP shouldn,t they be in better shape.I think they should be able to bend over and tie their own shoes.

disgusting and feel the pain with the mom of that man that came from poland, it's really sad and the police gets their kicks from using the big gun-taser- one time my husband who is a band constable pinned our son down waiting for the rcmp to come , as they arrived one of the members tried to take over instead he used the taser, boy was my husband ever upset with the rcmp to do that especially when he had him pinned down and i could see the volts going on after he was tasered even that gun was touching his chest my husband said you didn't have to ****in use that, don't you see i have him pinned after that they took him to the cell,the next day he showed me his burned marks there were 3 marks so i wonder if they used that on when they took him for the night--why is the police or rcmp using that thing when they had all the training they are suppose to serve and protect not to kill us or are they just suppose to serve and protect their own policing they are nothing but protecting their own they will do anything and lie to the public to protect their own

I believe this is not a fluke. There are other indicators that our federal leadership has taken a hard right turn, both in domestic and foreign policy. A few examples include Canada's position on aboriginal rights vis-a-vis not signing the UN accord, the shift to combat in Afghanistan, the Kyoto Accord and domestic economic policy (huge and unnecessary tax cuts for corporate America). I think the cowboy in Mr. Harper is clearly evident, and the horsemen are simply taking their cue from the top. Unfortunately, Harper is winning approval from the plebs by throwing a loaf of bread or two (2% off GST). Without a viable option at the polls, to the right we shall continue to march and there will be more shock and awe coming to a channel near YOUTO.

Why have we not heard the audio on the tape cleaned up and a translation of what the polish man was saying?

I personally have bad experience in both Toronto and Vancouver airport customs, surely they do not welcome any foreigner to visit Canada, I wish I can show you the video on how they question visitors. I think it is due to the education of these officers, I sometimes question the education system in Canda to produce these people, lack of senses and basic manners (very rude indeed). Many third world countries' officers would do a much better job. I do not believe they will change, it is an attitude problem reflecting their poor training. Can Canada send people with better sense or at least polite enough to present at custom gate?

I hope this kind of interpersonal communication breakdown could be handled in alternative ways. Can airport authorities, as well as RCMP management, train their employees and officers to properly and ethically handle similar communication issues involving immigrants at our public venues including airports?

WELCOME TO CANADA!
If we don't like ya will send ya the RCMP.
I don't know if we can say that CANADA is for Canadians. Canada is ready to help other countries with their problems.......What about Canadian problems? We are less and less Canadians, and the government seems to be nelgecting the fact that they have been walking on the backs of aborignals since the dawn of time. While Canada will call for countries or leaders to give back land that belongs to other nations, Canada as a good leader in this field, has killed for the land in their own backyard. A word to all the immigrants coming to Canada....WELCOME TO OUR LAND, just remember the land here belonged to other NATIONS before Canada KILLED their leaders to obtain it.The people are still here, peaceful as we are it may not stay that way. How long is it going to take to get a fair handshake....in CANADA who knows. And the people of CANADA need the support of all the new immigrants,and old alike, to support justice.LETS FIX THE WRONGS OF THE PAST!!!!!
OH and by the way the only ones against justice are the people who did the wrongs in the first place.