Le déploiement des caméras de surveillance dans les rues et autres espaces publics au Canada : Au-delà des stratégies d’opposition et d’encadrement

This article examines the deployment of surveillance cameras in Canadian streets and other public spaces. Using a comprehensive document search, the author first makes a link between the non-aggressive deployment of surveillance cameras in Canadian streets and the effective opposing and coaching strategies adopted until now by various social players. The author then shows that power struggles between supporters and opponents of surveillance cameras do not explain everything and that the deployment of video surveillance in various public spaces is well underway, more often than not without any objections. Several social, economical and technological phenomena – particularly the revitalisation of central neighbourhoods, the mediatization of violent crimes, the innovation of video surveillance and the use of surveillance cameras in police investigations – help this deployment. The author concludes by insisting on the need to review surveillance system governance in public spaces in general in order to avoid possible abuse.