Extra Loblaw staff throughout the nation will probably be carrying physique cameras as the corporate is increasing its pilot undertaking to extra provinces.
The retailer, which already has some staff in Abbotsford, Saskatoon and Calgary carrying the cameras, will develop the undertaking to extra shops in British Columbia, Ontario and Manitoba.
An organization spokesperson didn’t specify which shops this will probably be applied it at, however cited outcomes from pilot initiatives the place the measure is already in place.
“Early outcomes from our pilot counsel body-worn cameras could assist scale back violent incidents, however a broader, longer-term analysis throughout extra shops and banners is required to evaluate their full influence,” they informed World Information in an announcement.
“The aim is to guage how body-worn cameras influence de-escalation in probably violent conditions, serving to improve security for each colleagues and clients.”
The spokesperson added the cameras are solely activated when staff are confronted with a state of affairs the place there “is a danger of escalation” and security fears.
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“Solely skilled asset safety representatives, third-party safety, retailer administration and extra workforce members the place relevant will probably be carrying the cameras, and participation on this pilot is voluntary. Colleagues are additionally skilled to verbally inform these round them when turning on the body-worn digicam,” they stated.
“The security of our clients, colleagues, and shops stays our precedence. Our growth of this pilot highlights our ongoing dedication to making a safer purchasing setting for all.”
Ann Cavoukian, the previous data and privateness commissioner for Ontario, who additionally developed the methodology Privateness by Design, informed World Information final month the coverage elevate some questions.
Cavoukian stated she understands that rising crime of their shops has made Loblaw wish to do one thing about. She additionally stated they need to delete any knowledge the place there isn’t any incident, and shouldn’t retain any footage that isn’t required for a police investigation.
Whereas there’s an expectation that law enforcement officials will probably be carrying physique cameras, Cavoukian stated nobody expects that when they’re looking for groceries and different objects.
Whereas staff and firms shouldn’t should put up with illegal incidents or private questions of safety, Cavoukian stated the businesses should be clear about what they’re doing and why.
Catherine Thomas, vice chairman of communications for Loblaw, informed World Information final month footage won’t be used for advertising, and pictures not required for an investigation will probably be deleted as quickly as attainable.
— with recordsdata from Amy Judd and Rumina Daya
© 2025 World Information, a division of Corus Leisure Inc.
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