Ontario Premier Doug Ford says residents should be allowed to carry pepper spray to protect themselves, especially women who feel unsafe walking alone at night or using public transit.
Ford made the comments Monday during a news conference announcing plans for a new jail in Brockville, where he also addressed several justice and public safety issues.
The premier said many people already carry pepper spray despite the fact that it is illegal for self-defence in Canada. Under the Criminal Code, pepper spray is considered a prohibited weapon.
Ford said Ontario will ask the federal government to change the law so people can legally carry pepper spray to protect themselves and their families.
He said many residents are worried about safety after hearing about incidents such as home invasions and crime on public transit. According to Ford, allowing pepper spray would give vulnerable people another tool to defend themselves.
The premier said the measure would particularly help women who feel unsafe when travelling alone at night.
Ford also spoke about rising concerns over crime, including thefts at liquor stores. While he said pepper spray is not a solution for those situations, he warned that small crimes can sometimes escalate into more serious offences.
During the news conference, Ford also criticized judges who grant bail to repeat offenders. He said the justice system needs stronger bail rules and called on the federal government to move forward with bail reform.
Ford said the province wants to ensure that victims’ rights are placed ahead of the rights of criminals and argued that repeat offenders should not be easily released after serious allegations.
He also said Ontario is asking Ottawa to collect DNA samples from people arrested for serious sexual offences in order to speed up investigations.
The premier added that the province is pushing for tougher penalties for people convicted of attacking police officers and correctional staff.
Ford made the comments while announcing plans to replace the aging Brockville jail, which is more than 180 years old.
The project will include a new correctional complex in Brockville and an expansion of the St. Lawrence Valley Correctional and Treatment Centre. Together, the projects will add 295 beds in eastern Ontario.
The broader plan across the province will create 1,436 correctional beds and include hiring about 400 correctional officers.
Other projects include adding beds at correctional facilities in Thunder Bay, Toronto, Niagara, Milton, Sudbury and Quinte.
Provincial officials said the Brockville project has reached the stage of seeking qualified construction partners, but they did not provide a timeline for when the new facility will open.