Police Carding: Are Random Street Checks Legal – Warranted? (Part 1)

Carding is the police practice of arbitrarily stopping people in public for identification and questioning. The practice has come under fire as discriminatory and a violation of civil rights. And while some jurisdictions are working to reduce or eliminate this practice, it is arguable still commonplace in Lethbridge and Alberta. Data shows black people may be nine times more likely and Indigenous people five times more likely to be stopped and asked by police to provide identification and other personal information in Lethbridge. Should police be able to stop people and ask for information without being advised that they can refuse to answer without consequence? Is carding part of an ongoing systemic racist practice and an example of discrimination in our system? Will consultations by the Alberta Government result in tighter regulations? Generally, there are questions whether carding is in fact a legal process and there are court challenges ongoing in Ontario asking if carding is consistent with Canadian law. The speaker will argue that it should stop, but if any form of carding is to continue, protection to prevent random or arbitrary stops should be in place by providing clear reasons why people are being questioned. Receipts by the investigating officer should also be provided to individuals indicating reasons for such stops. Speaker: Miranda Hlady Miranda was likely Canada’s youngest lawyer at the time of her Yukon Territory bar call in May 2012. She completed a rotation for the Public Prosecution Service of Canada during her articles and has worked for her entire career almost exclusively in the area of criminal defense. Miranda is active in her community as a volunteer. She was the 2013 recipient of a Volunteer Excellence Award from Volunteer Lethbridge and a 2014 YWCA Young Woman of Promise. As a law school student she was the recipient of the Maritime Law Book Award in Ethics and Professional Responsibility. She volunteers regularly for Lethbridge Legal Guidance and has also volunteered for Law Day, the Lethbridge Bar Association, Pro Bono Law Alberta and the Public Legal Education of Alberta Program Moderator: Michelle Day Date: Thursday, October 19, 2017 Time: Noon - 1:30 pm Location: Country Kitchen Catering (Lower level of The Keg) 1715 Mayor Magrath Dr. S Cost: $14.00 (includes lunch) or $2.00 (includes coffee/tea) RSVP is not necessary