A Toronto criminal lawyer says many Canadians misunderstand the limits of self-defence after a high-profile case in Lindsay, Ontario, reignited debate over when force crosses the line into criminal conduct. Kim Schofield explained in an interview with CTV that while Canadians do have the right to protect themselves during a home invasion, the Criminal Code makes clear that force must be “reasonable” and “proportionate” to the threat.
“You can do anything that’s reasonable in the circumstances, not anything you want,” Schofield said. “If someone starts to run away, you can’t pursue and stab them repeatedly in the back. There’s a point where self-defence ends and possible criminal liability begins.” Unlike the so-called “Castle Law” in the United States, Canada does not allow unlimited force simply because an intruder enters a home. “You can’t just get mad and there’s no vigilante justice,” she added.
The discussion follows the case of Jeremy McDonald, who has been charged with aggravated assault and assault with a weapon after allegedly stabbing Michael Kyle Breen during a confrontation inside his apartment. Breen, who was wanted on an outstanding warrant at the time, was airlifted to a Toronto hospital and now faces charges including break and enter, theft, and possession of a weapon.
The case has drawn widespread attention after Ontario Premier Doug Ford publicly criticized the charges against McDonald, calling it an example of a “broken system.” Ford argued that the resident was defending himself against a wanted criminal who broke into his home. McDonald is scheduled to appear in court on September 25, while Breen remains in custody.