Crown appeal from the dismissal of an appeal from acquittals on impaired driving and driving over 80 charges.
The court held that the requirement in s. 258(1)(c)(ii) of the Criminal Code that breath samples be taken "as soon as practicable" does not require police to have a breathalyzer technician available at every detachment at all times or to organize themselves so samples are taken as soon as possible.
The proper inquiry is whether the samples were taken within a reasonably prompt time in the circumstances, including where relevant the way the police were organized and why.
The court also held that the trial judge erred in law on the impaired count by proceeding on the basis that breathalyzer readings could be used to prove degree of impairment absent expert evidence, and may have applied the wrong test for impairment.
Leave was granted, the appeal allowed, the acquittals set aside, and a new trial directed on both counts.