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Ontario AG Advocates Legalizing Pepper Spray for Self-Defense

3/16/2026

Summary

Story summary

Ontario Attorney General Doug Downey asks the federal government to legalize pepper spray for self-defense and to require DNA collection on arrest for sexual offenses, in a letter to Justice Minister Sean Fraser.
Critics such as Sam Puchala say proposals reflect a tough-on-crime approach and could undermine the presumption of innocence.
Deb Chard of Wen-Do Women's Self Defence argues for more education and victim support instead of expanding weapon access.

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Story summary

Ontario Attorney General Doug Downey asks the federal government to legalize pepper spray for self-defense and to require DNA collection on arrest for sexual offenses, in a letter to Justice Minister Sean Fraser.
Critics such as Sam Puchala say proposals reflect a tough-on-crime approach and could undermine the presumption of innocence.
Deb Chard of Wen-Do Women's Self Defence argues for more education and victim support instead of expanding weapon access.