Imagine walking down the street and suddenly being attacked—would the law protect you, or punish you? Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre wants to make sure the answer is clear. This week, he unveiled a bold plan to reform Canada’s Criminal Code, aiming to redefine self-defence in ways that could shake the very foundation of Canadian law.
Poilievre argues that current rules leave law-abiding citizens vulnerable, often forcing them into impossible choices when their safety is at stake. Under his proposal, Canadians could have greater freedom to defend themselves in life-threatening situations without fear of legal repercussions. Critics, however, warn that these changes could open the door to misuse, escalating violence rather than curbing it.
Supporters see this as a long-overdue measure to restore balance between personal safety and government overreach. Detractors fear the unintended consequences: what begins as a shield for the innocent could morph into a sword in the wrong hands.
Whether you cheer or jeer, one thing is undeniable: Canada’s approach to self-defence may never be the same. The debate promises heated exchanges in Parliament and on social media, as citizens nationwide wrestle with the tension between liberty and law.
