Commentary
When it comes to the right to defend oneself and one’s property in Canada, the nation doesn’t need to change the laws. It must change its attitude. Sections 34 and 35 of the Criminal Code make it clear that citizens may use force to defend themselves and their property. While many Canadians have been criminally charged for defending themselves with force, convictions are rare. The process is the punishment, however, as a person’s life can be put on hold while they navigate the legal system to exonerate themselves.
People are incensed over the case of Jeremy David McDonald of Lindsay, Ont., who has been charged with aggravated assault and assault with a weapon after a confrontation with a home invader in his apartment. The alleged invader is a man named Michael Kyle Breen, who was already wanted on prior charges and has now been charged with weapon possession, breaking and entering, and theft. There may be other factors in the incident which will come to light in the courts, but on the surface, it appears absurd that a person would be charged for defending himself when confronted by an armed person with ill intent inside their home….