Share this Story : The Sarnia Observer Copy Link Email X Reddit Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr

Opinion: Ford’s pepper-spray push raises safety concerns

The Ontario premier's suggested policy could do more harm than good, argues columnist Mike Jiggens

Ontario Premier Doug Ford recently made headlines with his notion to seek federal approval for the public’s right to carry pepper spray. The possession of pepper spray is currently illegal in Canada, but the premier argues it gives people, especially women, the means to protect themselves against would-be criminals such as muggers or those with intentions of sexual assault.

One must seriously question this idea. It could potentially open the door for more harm than good. Here, in our relatively small region where serious crimes aren’t nearly as abundant as they are in the bigger cities, the need to carry pepper spray may not seem necessary. But if the law was to change, it could open........

© Sarnia Observer