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Feds deny Alberta's request to allow use of pepper spray for self-defence

Last Updated Aug 5, 2021 at 6:24 am MDT

CALGARY — The federal government has denied Alberta’s request to allow people to carry pepper spray for self-defence.

“It is absurd. But I am not surprised. I am disappointed that they would refuse to talk with us on a commonsense proposal that is meant to keep vulnerable citizens safe,” said Alberta Minister of Justice Kaycee Madu, who made the initial request.

But, a hate crimes researcher agrees with Ottawa.

“I think weaponizing our way out of that as an option was rightfully slammed down,” said Irfan Chaudhry, the director of the office of human rights, diversity and equity at MacEwan University.

The debate came into focus after Alberta’s justice minister penned the request last month, and was backed by Premier Jason Kenney.

WATCH: CityNews’ Taylor Braat reports on the UCP’s request to allow victims of hate crimes to use pepper spray in self-defence. 

But the federal minister of justice and the minister of public safety say prohibited weapons are prohibited for a reason and allowing it could lead to further violence.

One expert agrees and says there were other holes in the UCP’s proposal.

“A person has the right to protect themselves, but only to the level at which they are used to confront the force they are facing,” said Doug King a professor in justice studies at Mount Royal University. “So, if someone was to approach me and yell at me and I took a knife and stuck them, I would be charged with assault.”

King saw more traction in Alberta’s request to introduce a mandatory minimum penalty for those convicted of hate crimes — which the feds also denied.

“The mandatory minimum sentences have their place, but it may not be for all forms of hate crime. So, if it’s violent, maybe we should think about that,” said King.


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The debate comes as the country sees a jump in police-reported hate crimes.

Recent data from Stats Canada shows it went up 37 per cent in 2020 — the highest it’s been since Stats Canada started tracking it in 2009.

King says a better way to combat it is policing in the short term, communities denouncing hate crimes in the interim, and education in the long term.

“We all have prejudice. If we know it, we can guard against it.”

“Especially Muslim women in Edmonton and Calgary with the recent attacks, we’re looking at more viable solutions to safety like keeping the streets safe and improving the legislation to be able to prevent and prosecute these types of hate crimes from happening,” said Wati Rahmat, the founder and director of Sisters’ Dialogue.