“Calvin (Kat) Arcand among at least 97 victims of police actions in 2023: APTN News Investigation”

Accident – Death – Obituary News : At least 97 people lost their lives due to police actions in Canada in 2023, making it one of the deadliest years for policing in recent history. December proved to be particularly deadly, with 12 people killed in police actions, matching the record set in May as the deadliest month of the year. These numbers highlight a concerning trend of excessive force and violence within the Canadian police system.

The police-involved deaths include individuals who were directly killed by police through shootings, as well as those who died during police deployments or while in police custody. It is important to note that these figures are likely an undercount, as there are no formal mechanisms in place for documenting and reporting police killings publicly in Canada. Many cases go unreported, further obscuring the true extent of police violence.

In 2022, there were at least 117 police-involved deaths in Canada, indicating a distressing increase in such incidents. November saw eight people killed, while October witnessed seven deaths. September and August each had eight deaths, while July recorded 10 deaths. June had nine deaths, May had 12 deaths, April had five deaths, March had eight deaths, February had six deaths, and January had four deaths.

These statistics are based on police reports, oversight agencies, and information provided by families. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that there are cases of police-involved deaths that go unreported. For example, the Independent Investigations Office of British Columbia closed a case involving the Saanich Police Department without issuing a public report.

Examining the deaths that occurred in December, seven victims were shot and killed by police. Two individuals were shot and killed by Winnipeg police within a two-day span. Edmonton police were responsible for the deaths of two people, while the Saskatchewan RCMP and the Abbotsford and York police forces each shot and killed one person.

Disturbingly, six of the victims were described as being in some form of mental distress or undergoing a wellness check at the time of police intervention. This includes three individuals who were shot and killed while in crisis. One person died after an arrest related to intoxication. These cases emphasize the urgent need for alternative responses to mental health crises, as policing is not equipped to handle such situations effectively.

Furthermore, two of the victims have been confirmed as Indigenous individuals. Calvin (Kat) Arcand, a Cree man from Alexander First Nation, was shot and killed by Edmonton police on December 3. The circumstances surrounding his death have raised questions about police protocol and the use of force. The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team is currently investigating the incident.

On December 5, a woman died while in RCMP custody in Wilkie, Saskatchewan. The RCMP officers had been asked to conduct a wellness check on her. Upon finding her, she required medical attention and was taken into custody under the province’s Mental Health Act. Tragically, she went into medical distress after being transferred to an ambulance and was pronounced dead at the hospital. This case underscores the fact that police are not trained or equipped to handle mental health crises, and alternative approaches should be implemented.

Another shooting occurred on December 6 when Edmonton police shot and killed a woman during a wellness check. The woman’s parents have expressed their concerns regarding the quick deployment of violence by the police during what should have been a non-confrontational wellness check. They believe that their daughter’s death could have been prevented if the police had approached the situation with care and support, rather than aggression.

York Regional Police were involved in a fatal shooting on December 7 in Newmarket, Ontario. Officers responded to a domestic disturbance call and encountered a man in a stairwell. An interaction occurred, resulting in the man being shot and killed. The Special Investigations Unit is currently investigating the incident.

On December 14, a 48-year-old man died in Saint John Police Force custody in New Brunswick. He had been detained for allegedly being intoxicated in public and was later found unresponsive in his cell. The Nova Scotia Serious Incident Response Team is investigating the circumstances surrounding his death. This case highlights the dangers of intoxication arrests and the need to find alternative approaches to dealing with individuals who are intoxicated.

Lastly, on December 17, Abbotsford police shot and killed a man who was reported as suicidal. The Independent Investigations Office of BC is conducting an investigation into this incident.

These cases demonstrate the urgent need for comprehensive police reform in Canada. The excessive use of force, especially in situations involving mental health crises, highlights the systemic issues within the police system. It is crucial to prioritize the implementation of alternative approaches and resources that prioritize care and support rather than violence. Only through meaningful change can we hope to prevent further tragedies and create a safer and more just society..