CCLA calls for alternative to mandatory alcohol checkpoints, deems them unacceptable

In response to a spike in impaired driving-related collisions, Ontario’s provincial police have implemented mandatory alcohol screening (MAS) at all traffic stops in the Greater Toronto Area. The move has sparked controversy, with civil rights groups raising concerns about the infringement on individuals’ rights.

Shakir Rahim, director of the Criminal Justice program at the Canadian Civil Liberties Association, criticized the new measures, stating that they allow officers to intervene in people’s lives without any suspicion of wrongdoing. However, OPP Highway Safety Division Sgt. Kerry Schmidt defended the decision, citing the significant increase in impaired driving incidents in the region.

Under the new rules, drivers who refuse to provide a breath sample will face criminal charges. While some argue that MAS is a violation of civil liberties, criminal defense lawyer Lydia Riva pointed out that the practice has been legal since 2018.

Despite the backlash, the OPP maintains that MAS is a proven method for reducing impaired driving incidents. The measure aims to ensure the safety of all road users in the GTA, where impaired driving offenses are particularly prevalent.

While the debate over MAS continues, the OPP is committed to enforcing the new measures to combat the growing issue of impaired driving in the region.