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Premier Doug Ford's Ontario

Doug Ford urges Ottawa to legalize pepper spray for self-defence​

From https://www.thestar.com/news/ontario/doug-ford-urges-ottawa-to-legalize-pepper-spray-for-self-defence-start-dna-collection-for/article_4c7c243f-3633-4cae-a9c0-af5f1b39187b.html

Premier Doug Ford is calling on the federal government to legally allow people to use pepper spray for self-defence and make DNA collection mandatory for people arrested for sexual offences.

“It’s time we put the rights of victims first, not those of criminals,” Ford said in a statement posted to X on Monday morning.
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On Saturday, Ontario Attorney General Doug Downey sent a letter to the federal government asking it to legalize the use of pepper spray for self-defence. He wrote that it could give “vulnerable, law-abiding citizens a practical, immediate tool to defend themselves.”

Under the criminal code, pepper spray is classed as a prohibited weapon — defined as any “device designed to be used for the purpose of injuring, immobilizing or otherwise incapacitating any person.”
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From https://www.staysafevancouver.com/post/self-defense-tools-canada
Is pepper spray legal in Canada? No. Pepper spray products designed for use on people are classified as prohibited weapons, and civilian possession is illegal.

Dog and coyote sprays are different. They’re registered animal repellents and completely legal to buy and carry for animal deterrence. Most come in small canisters that clip to your bag or keychain — practical for dog walkers, hikers, and anyone who spends time outdoors.

If you ever used one of these sprays during an assault, police would usually charge assault with a weapon (s.267) first so that the courts can assess the situation under section 34 of the Criminal Code. If your actions were necessary, reasonable, and proportionate to an imminent threat, section 34 can excuse the act as lawful self-defense
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SEE: https://www.thestar.com/politics/pr...cle_b45ce1e9-d256-449b-ae0b-27b8fc449aa9.html

I would say his worry is more investigative journalists and 'the taxpayers'.
 
Monarch Butterfly said:
Doug Ford urges Ottawa to legalize pepper spray for self-defence
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“It’s time we put the rights of victims first, not those of criminals,” Ford said in a statement posted to X on Monday morning.
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Agreed 100% on this one. Those liberal "hug a thug", "catch & release" & "wide open border" policies had no business ever being implemented in any developed country.
 
81-717 said:
Agreed 100% on this one. Those liberal "hug a thug", "catch & release" & "wide open border" policies had no business ever being implemented in any developed country.
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Ford’s incompetence in the court system has allowed this to happen. There are No federal bail courts in Canada btw. In the U.S. their legal system is rigged against the poor. Harper tried that in 2011-12 and it alienated black voters and made them apathetic to voting.
 
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Monarch Butterfly said:

Doug Ford urges Ottawa to legalize pepper spray for self-defence​

From https://www.thestar.com/news/ontario/doug-ford-urges-ottawa-to-legalize-pepper-spray-for-self-defence-start-dna-collection-for/article_4c7c243f-3633-4cae-a9c0-af5f1b39187b.html



From https://www.staysafevancouver.com/post/self-defense-tools-canada
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If Ford was smart, he and his attorney General would be telling police in Ontario Not to arrest anyone who used pepper spray, or have the Crown Attorneys aka prosecutors to drop the charges and case closed.
 
CMQSD402F9011 said:
If Ford was smart, he and his attorney General would be telling police in Ontario Not to arrest anyone who used pepper spray, or have the Crown Attorneys aka prosecutors to drop the charges and case closed.
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Although this sounds good, the impression is terrible.
So, the federal gov't has or passes stupid laws.
The provinces decide to ignore the laws.
The federal gov't does nothing since they know the laws are dumb.
The only way to do the right and smart thing is to not follow the law.
What kind of country operates this way?
The duck-hunter shotgun confiscation program is the same way.
 
Westey said:
Although this sounds good, the impression is terrible.
So, the federal gov't has or passes stupid laws.
The provinces decide to ignore the laws.
The federal gov't does nothing since they know the laws are dumb.
The only way to do the right and smart thing is to not follow the law.
What kind of country operates this way?
The duck-hunter shotgun confiscation program is the same way.
Click to expand...
I’m sure many in 2021 will remember when Ford has announced strict lockdown measures which included that police must enforce those rules in-place and most police departments in Ontario have said they wouldn’t go with enforcing those regulations back in 2021.
 
CMQSD402F9011 said:
Ford’s incompetence in the court system has allowed this to happen. There are No federal bail courts in Canada btw. In the U.S. their legal system is rigged against the poor. Harper tried that in 2011-12 and it alienated black voters and made them apathetic to voting.
Click to expand...
CMQSD402F9011 said:
If Ford was smart, he and his attorney General would be telling police in Ontario Not to arrest anyone who used pepper spray, or have the Crown Attorneys aka prosecutors to drop the charges and case closed.
Click to expand...
The government can't direct the police to do, or not do, anything in operational matters. That separation has been entrenched in our type of legal system for several centuries. I

The Attorney General isn't responsible for the police or public safety anyway.

I'm not sure how Ford's competence or incompetence has much to do with it. Beyond making appointments to the bench, the government has no direct role in the justice system.
 
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