Opinion
ist Mike Jiggens argues that the Ontario premier’s policy could lead to unintended consequences.
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Mike Jiggens • For the News Record
Mar 24, 2026 •
Mike Jiggens File
Ontario Premier Doug Ford has stirred up controversy with his plan to seek federal approval for allowing people to carry pepper spray. Currently, possessing pepper spray is against the law in Canada, but Ford believes it could empower individuals, particularly women, to defend themselves against potential criminals like muggers or those intending sexual assault.
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This idea raises serious concerns. It might actually do more harm than good. In our relatively small area where serious crimes are not as common as in larger cities, carrying pepper spray may seem unnecessary. However, if the law were changed, it could lead to various issues.
This could turn into Ontario’s-or even Canada’s-version of the U. S.’s Second Amendment, albeit a less deadly version. In the U. S., citizens have the right to bear arms for self-defense against criminal acts. Unfortunately, this also makes it easier for firearms to fall into the hands of those with harmful intentions.
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If pepper spray is legalized, it would merely provide another weapon for someone with bad intentions who might carry it legally. There are many scenarios where having access to pepper spray could backfire if misused. For example, if a school-aged child got hold of pepper spray intending to defend against a bully, chaos could break out-especially if it’s used inside a school building.
If laws changed regarding ownership of pepper spray, one would assume only legal adults could possess it; however, it can easily end up in the wrong hands-including those of a bully.
A variety of concerns must be addressed before considering legalizing pepper spray. Would you need a license? Would training be mandatory?
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Simplifying this issue by saying “yes, you can now legally carry pepper spray” without implementing any checks is irresponsible. Someone under threat might panic and accidentally use their spray on innocent bystanders nearby instead of on an attacker. It’s understandable that vulnerable individuals want ways to protect themselves when necessary; however, there are equally valid reasons against legalizing pepper spray. There’s strong justification for believing that its disadvantages outweigh its benefits. Theoretically speaking, someone who feels physically threatened could use pepper spray temporarily disable an assailant long enough to escape and contact authorities. On the flip side, allowing its legality might trigger a spike in robberies where store clerks get sprayed and incapacitated just long enough for thieves to rob them blind and flee smoothly. The potential ramifications of legalizing pepper spray suggest it may become problematic. The most sensible action would likely be for the premier to reconsider this idea and move on from it. Share this article in your social networkSource link
