A surge in impaired driving-related accidents has prompted Ontario’s provincial police to enforce mandatory alcohol screening (MAS) at all traffic stops in the Greater Toronto Area, a move criticized by civil rights advocates.
Shakir Rahim, director of the Criminal Justice program at the Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA), expressed concern over the new measures, stating that they infringe on individuals’ rights by allowing breathalyzer tests without reasonable suspicion of wrongdoing.
The OPP announced the implementation of MAS in GTA following a significant increase in impaired driving collisions, particularly in the GTA. Sgt. Kerry Schmidt of the OPP Highway Safety Division emphasized the need for impartial testing to address the challenge of detecting impaired drivers accurately.
Drivers who refuse to provide a breath sample will face criminal charges, according to Schmidt. While previous procedures required suspicion of impairment, MAS now mandates breathalyzer tests for all drivers stopped by police.
Despite some opposition, criminal defence lawyer Lydia Riva clarified that MAS has been lawful since 2018, allowing police to conduct roadside breath tests without specific suspicion of impairment, provided they have an approved screening device and a lawful reason for the stop.
The OPP highlighted the effectiveness of MAS, citing its global use and proven results in reducing impaired driving incidents.