Why Can't Canadians Use Pepper Spray & Tasers For protection.Why is Self Defense HATED More Than Voilent Crime

Question

An0nym0us mAn1Ac, you're obviously not in canada... Tasers are illegal period unless you are a peace officer... Pepper spray is only allowed in bear country where it is not concealed... Any weapon to be used for self defense is illegal regardless of what it is.

Answer 1

They have a more European mentality I guess.  I understand that this is typical reasoning for the law in Europe, but I haven't experienced it first hand.

Several friends have mentioned on more than one occassion about having their homes broken into there.  I joked about waiting to jump the culprits and they expressed how the law would come down on you hard for something like that.

Answer 2

Well, for one thing, we are less likely to be attacked.  I refuse to wander about in public looking like I need to defend myself.  And I have never been attacked.  If pepper spray and tasers were more widely available to the public every car thief, vandal, and gang member would be using them, and it would be a more dangerous place, not safer.  I can defend myself against a knife, or a baseball bat, but not if I can't see or breathe, or if I have been zapped.

Answer 3

Because, most Canadians don't need to use these things.

If you compare the crime rate in Canada to the States...it is MUCH MUCH lower ...and as mentioned above..if people start carrying weapons for self defence it creates fear because people start to believe that there is actually a NEED for these things. And just for your information. You are allowed to carry a knife (under 2 inches) as long as it is not concealed and is not a switchblade.

Answer 4

First of all, I am not aware of ANY country "allowing" tasers to be owned by the public. As far as I know (not saying I can't be wrong), they are not regulated weapons for the public, and cannot be used by anyone other than trained law enforcement officials.

Canada has very strict laws for weapons compared to the U.S.. Guns for citizens must be registered here and they are usually used for hunting, show, sport, etc. It is illegal for Joe Blow to walk down the street carrying a loaded concealed handgun for self-defence.

I totally agree that the Canadian system seems to place the rights of criminals ahead of their victims. But that also happens in the U.S. If a bugler breaks his arm busting through your window to rob YOU, he can sue YOU for negligence. How's that for justice? At least Canada doesn't have THAT problem. In the U.S. you can sue anyone for anything at anytime. It's the American way.

Legal systems everywhere are imperfect.

That said, you'll be happy to know that *most* officers in Canada would turn a blind eye if they caught you with concealed bear/pepper spray while walking alone at night. Especially if you live in a bad area or are female.

I was told (by an officer friend) to say pointedly that you run/walk alone "by the river where there're dogs".  Or a similar story. And  they usually will turn a blind eye and let it go.

I have carried knives on me since I used to walk to work very early in the morning in a not so nice neighborhood. Luckily, I never had any issues, but from what I know, if you can "prove" it was self-defence, you normally will not be punished/convicted (or severely).

Usually the worst case senerio is mansluaghter, and that can even be served as house arrest or probation. Best case is that charges will be dismissed entirely.

I hear your frustration, and I agree. But like I said, if you really have a reason to carry protection (ideally non-lethal), you will likely not be charged if you are truly defending yourself.

I have a hard time thinking that a judge would convict a 100 lbs woman pepper spraying a man who was trying to rape, rob, and stab her.

I'd love to have a taser, and my thoughts were exactly like yours. Luckily, I moved to a much better and safer area. But your points are still valid.  All you can do is protect yourself as best as you can and hope for the best.

Good luck!

Answer 5

It is legal where I live to carry a knife on your belt, as many of the men here do it. Not for protection, merely as a "manly" thing. When I lived in Niagara Falls, too close to the american border, with too many americans crossing over all the time, I did feel the need to carry protection, pepper spray, if I was walking to my truck after a late shift. Where I live now, there is no need. The worst crimes that have been in the paper as of late were a teen party that had to be broken up, and a stolen ATV. Oddly enough, it is a city a bit bigger than Niagara Falls. Weapons for protection breed fear, and thankfully Canada is still a place where we do not fear our neighbour. Yes, we have violence, but nothing compared to our gun toting brethren to the south. And to the *** who claims we do not do anything "in or out of our borders".... Which country is always right there to pick up the pieces, provide medical care, build schools, and hospitals, after your country walks in with their shock and awe attitude?

Answer 6

They are trained to "do nothing", inside, & outside their borders.

Answer 7

I have both pepper spray and a taser.  My work even bought me pepper spray for when I am at the office by myself.  

Check your research, otherwise you just look silly.

Answer 8

I live in eastern Canada and due to the nature of my work I carry pepper spray.  Not sure if you can buy tasers, though.  I haven't seen any in stores.

Answer 9

We elected too many Liberals and Red Torries.  

Ignorance too.  If more people knew that you were exspected to defend yourself with your bare hands because it was a crime to be prepared and cary any weapon.  Plus the fact that the police have no duty to protect you I think there would be some outrage.

Tasers are outright banned for civilian use and it takes some serious doublethink to cary pepperspray.  And if you cary a pocketknife for the purposes of defending youself you had better lie and say it is a tool for cutting when the cops ask or you can be charged.  But if you are an important person like a judge or politician you can get a concealed cary permit and pack a gun around.

If you check the stats every crime rate but murder and some drug crimes is higher than in the United States.  The rape rate is double.

Answer 10

Canada is not a fascist police state.

and self defense is not hated more than violent crime.

you obviously don't know anything.

why would canadians need to walk around with pepper spray or tasers? its not like they'll get attacked at any random time. this is not the ghetto.