VANCOUVER — The public inquiry into the death of a Polish immigrant who was hit by an RCMP taser is going ahead even though Crown prosecutors have not made a decision on charges in the incident at Vancouver's airport.
Former B.C. Appeal Court justice Thomas Braidwood announced the inquiry will start Oct. 20, before a coroner's inquest or any decision on possible charges against Mounties connected to the death of Robert Dziekanski.
Inquiry spokesman Chris Freimond says the coroner requested the public inquiry be held before his inquest.
Mr. Freimond says even if charges are laid, Mr. Braidwood may carry on with the inquiry, depending on the accusations.
Mr. Dziekanski died shortly after being shocked by a taser when he was confronted by four RCMP officers last October in the international arrivals area of the airport.
The first phase of the public inquiry looked into general police use of the stun gun, while the second phase has potential to find misconduct as it investigates Mr. Dziekanski's death.
