The federal government has denied Alberta's request to amend the Criminal Code to allow people to carry pepper spray for self-defence. Madu also asked Ottawa to establish mandatory minimum sentences for those convicted of hate-motivated crimes. Pepper spray is illegal to carry and its use can result in criminal charges. The ministers also said that adding another mandatory minimum penalty won't reduce hate crimes. "In fact, they seem to take the shameful stance that Canadians themselves are responsible for not standing-up against hate — instead of putting the blame squarely on perpetrators," he said.

Source: CBC News August 04, 2021 01:32 UTC