Pepper spray for self-defence proposal criticized by Alberta police chiefs
Alberta police chiefs are against the Alberta justice minister's proposal to allow pepper spray for self-defence.
The Alberta Association of Chiefs of Police (AACP) said in a joint statement that while they agree action needs to be taken in order to properly address hate crimes, allowing individuals to carry pepper spray could lead to “unintended consequences.”
Kaycee Madu, Alberta’s justice minister, penned a letter to two federal government ministers to stop hate crimes from happening. In it, he made two proposals, including amending the Criminal Code so people could carry and use pepper spray in self-defence.
“I suggest consideration be given to allowing individuals, including vulnerable persons, to carry capsaicin spray, commonly known as 'pepper spray,' for self-defence,” Madu said in the letter.
The letter was sent to David Lametti, federal justice minister and attorney general, and Bill Blair, public safety and emergency preparedness minister.
“Pepper spray would again be helpful in allowing personal defence when absolutely needed.”
Madu tweeted the full letter on Wednesday, saying “Albertans need to be able to defend themselves.”
Pepper spray is prohibited under the Criminal Code, along with any device designed to injure, immobilize, or incapacitate, like tear gas, mace, or other liquid sprays.
“It is sadly ironic that a vulnerable person carrying pepper spray for self-defence could quite possible receive a longer sentence than her attacker,” Madu said.
The AACP said it “wholeheartedly” supports a “tough stance” on hate crimes but was not sure allowing pepper spray was the correct solution.
“This includes the potential risk that an increase in individuals carrying pepper spray could also lead to an increase in use for criminal purposes, as well as the potential for it to be used in crimes against the vulnerable members of the community that this proposal is intended to protect,” the police chiefs association said.
Chief Dale McFee, EPS police chief, said at Thursday’s Edmonton Police Commission meeting that he would like to see more details about the minister’s proposal and how pepper spray distribution would be controlled.
“Certainly there’s some concerns around safety and distribution and I’m not sure if that’s been talked about at this point in time,” McFee said. “Basically, how distribution will be controlled and preventions of keeping spray from getting into the wrong hands are obviously going to be of concern.”
MANDATORY MINIMUM SENTENCES FOR HATE CRIMES PROPOSED
The second suggestion proposed by Madu in the letter was creating mandatory minimum sentences for hate-motivated crimes.
“Hate-motivated crimes deserve special consideration under legislation due to the pervasive effect they have on faith and minority communities,” Madu said.
“Albertans need to know that when justice is brought upon those found responsible for a hate-motivated crime, perpetrators will be truly punished without the leniency that has been seen of late.”
For Madu, the two suggested options would “have a deterrent effect” on hate crimes and send a “strong message” that such attacks are “inexcusable in Canada.”
The AACP said hate crimes are “absolutely intolerable.” The association said it would reach out to Madu to get further “clarification” about his proposed solutions.
“We would like to find out more about the proposals and explore the benefits as well as any possible unintended consequences,” the association added. “We appreciate his strong resolve aimed at protecting individuals and communities impacted by these deplorable acts.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Quebec nurse had to clean up after husband's death in Montreal hospital
On a night she should have been mourning, a nurse from Quebec's Laurentians region says she was forced to clean up her husband after he died at a hospital in Montreal.
Northern Ont. lawyer who abandoned clients in child protection cases disbarred
A North Bay, Ont., lawyer who abandoned 15 clients – many of them child protection cases – has lost his licence to practise law.
Bank of Canada officials split on when to start cutting interest rates
Members of the Bank of Canada's governing council were split on how long the central bank should wait before it starts cutting interest rates when they met earlier this month.
Maple Leafs fall to Bruins in Game 3, trail series 2-1
Brad Marchand scored twice, including the winner in the third period, and added an assist as the Boston Bruins downed the Toronto Maple Leafs 4-2 to take a 2-1 lead in their first-round playoff series Wednesday
Cuban government apologizes to Montreal-area family after delivering wrong body
Cuba's foreign affairs minister has apologized to a Montreal-area family after they were sent the wrong body following the death of a loved one.
'It was instant karma': Viral video captures failed theft attempt in Nanaimo, B.C.
Mounties in Nanaimo, B.C., say two late-night revellers are lucky their allegedly drunken antics weren't reported to police after security cameras captured the men trying to steal a heavy sign from a downtown business.
What is changing about Canada's capital gains tax and how does it impact me?
The federal government's proposed change to capital gains taxation is expected to increase taxes on investments and mainly affect wealthy Canadians and businesses. Here's what you need to know about the move.
New Indigenous loan guarantee program a 'really big deal,' Freeland says at Toronto conference
Canada's Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland was among the 1,700 delegates attending the two-day First Nations Major Projects Coalition (FNMPC) conference that concluded Tuesday in Toronto.
'Life was not fair to him': Daughter of N.B. man exonerated of murder remembers him as a kind soul
The daughter of a New Brunswick man recently exonerated from murder, is remembering her father as somebody who, despite a wrongful conviction, never became bitter or angry.