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By Troy Gillard

Alberta introduces bill to ban carding, standardize street checks

Apr 7, 2021 | 8:18 PM

EDMONTON, AB– The Alberta Government has introduced new legislation that would “outright prohibit carding and standardize street checks.”

“Bill 63, the Police (Street Checks and Carding) Amendment Act, 2021, would continue the work to reform policing in Alberta,” reads a release from the province.

The bill outlines the ban on carding and shows how street checks are done by amending the Police Act to provide clear definitions of carding and street checks.

“We’re keeping our commitment to have a clear set of rules to ensure police respect Albertans’ rights. Putting into law the outright ban of carding and making sure there are clear rules around street checks is just one action government is taking to reform policing and combat the legacy of institutional racism that still pervades too many parts of society,” says Justice Minister Kaycee Madu.

The province says if used properly, street checks are quite effective to combat crime. With consistent use of street checks, “Albertans can be confident that the practice is done in a way that respects all people’s rights.”

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“Codifying the ban on carding will ensure greater fairness and transparency in police-citizen encounters. It is a significant down payment in our quest to enhance the level of trust and cooperation between the police and the communities they serve.”

“I am confident that the elected representatives of the people will support this effort in order to further enhance the legitimacy of police services in Alberta and improve police-community relations,” says Temitope Oriola, associate professor of criminology, University of Alberta.

The new guidelines make sure under the proposed legislation, data collected through a street check must be provided voluntarily.

If the bill passes, street check regulations will be developed and implemented this year.