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Pierre Poilievre pushes feds to amend Criminal Code over ‘reasonable’ self-defence amid firestorm after Lindsay break-in
The federal Conservatives are pushing the government to amend the Criminal Code so use of force is presumed to be reasonable to defend your home in the case of a break-in, Pierre Poilievre said Friday, in a proposal that comes after a Lindsay, Ont., resident was charged following a fight against an alleged intruder.
At a stop in Brampton, the federal Opposition leader pitched the “Stand on Guard” principle, a proposed amendment to the law that he claims would ensure Canadians won’t be thrown in jail for defending their homes against someone who breaks in.
Poilievre’s announcement comes on the heels of case in Lindsay that has sparked heated debates over Canada’s self-defence laws. According to court documents, a Lindsay man broke into an apartment this month armed with a crossbow, leading to an altercation with the resident wielding a knife. The man living there is now facing assault charges.
Poilievre, who did not cite the Lindsay case in his press conference, said that people who have taken drastic measures to defend their families “have faced the brunt of the law.”
“The system treats victims like criminals, and criminals like victims,” Poilievre said.
Poilievre is now suggesting changes to the Criminal Code allowing the “use of force, including lethal force, is presumed reasonable against an individual, who unlawfully enters a house and poses a threat to the safety of anyone inside.”
He said it would apply only to the unlawful entry of a home and preserve proportionality. He said the government should introduce a bill this fall enacting this principle. If not, his party will introduce a private member’s bill aimed at making the change.
“It means you have the right to use force to defend your home and your family against someone who threatens you and who is entered illegally,” he said.
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