Alberta justice minister wants pepper spray allowed for self-defence

EDMONTON – Alberta’s justice minister wants to tweak the criminal code to allow people to more easily protect themselves in self-defence situations.

My letter to the federal ministers on hate-motivated crimes.

Albertans need to be able to defend themselves. Vulnerable people should be able to feel safe by carrying pepper spray.

And those found guilty need to spend more than 35 days in jail.

We urge them to take action. pic.twitter.com/y4EnP2heq4

— Kaycee Madu, KC, ECA (@KayceeMaduYEG) July 21, 2021

Minister Kaycee Madu says he wants people, especially those at risk of being targeted in hate-motivated crimes, to be allowed to carry pepper spray.

READ MORE: Kenney doubled down on pepper spray pitch–but is it a good idea?

He’s written a letter to the federal government, asking it to change the criminal code of conduct to allow the use of pepper spray in self-defense incidents where you’re at serious risk of imminent danger.

RELATED:

• Muslim council issues recommendations ahead of national Islamophobia summit this week

• Racism in Canada is real, government needs to address it: alleged road rage victim

• Feds host antisemitism summit to hear Jewish community’s concerns about rising hate

• Feds host Islamophobia summit after series of deadly attacks across Canada

Not everyone agrees with the justice minister, though.

The head of the Edmonton Police Association says there are concerns that if people carry pepper spray, we could see it being used on a regular basis causing more incidents.

The association also believes it could be used on police officers.

RELATED:

• Alberta cabinet minister says daughter was attacked in broad daylight in downtown Calgary

• Police charge man in connection to hate-motivated crime downtown

• Edmonton area man sought after attack on Muslim sisters

• ‘It’s just not right’: Kelowna security guard subjected to racist tirade at COVID-19 clinic speaks out

Madu is also urging Ottawa to impose mandatory minimum sentences for people convicted of hate-motivated crimes.