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Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is calling for changes to Canada’s self-defence laws, saying Canadians should not face jail time for protecting their families from intruders.
Poilievre announced Friday a proposed amendment to the Criminal Code, dubbed the “Stand on Guard” principle. The change would presume force to be reasonable when used against someone who unlawfully enters a home and threatens anyone inside.
The Conservatives want the Liberal government to introduce legislation this fall. If not, Poilievre says one of his MPs will table a private member’s bill.
Under Section 34, Canadians already have the right to defend themselves, but Poilievre argues the law is too vague and leaves citizens facing costly trials while repeat offenders walk free.
A violent confrontation in a Kent Street apartment in Lindsay earlier this month ignited a firestorm of public debate about self-defence laws in Canada, after both the homeowner and the alleged intruder faced criminal charges following a brutal altercation. Ontario Premier Doug Ford weighed in on the matter, expressing frustration with a justice system he believes fails to prioritize victims.
(Written by: Jordan Mercier)
