Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is proposing a new amendment to Canada’s Criminal Code aimed at protecting Canadians who use force to defend their homes and families.
Unveiled today, the “Stand on Guard” principle would amend Section 34(2) to presume that force is reasonable when used against someone who unlawfully enters a residence and poses a threat to anyone inside.
Poilievre argues that current self-defence laws are too vague, often leading to costly and lengthy legal battles for people who act in defence of themselves or loved ones. He says Canadians shouldn’t have to choose between their safety and the fear of being charged.
He cited a 2019 case in Collingwood, Ontario, where a man named Cameron Gardiner was arrested and jailed after defending himself during a violent home invasion. Charges were later dropped.
Poilievre says this amendment would give clarity to citizens, police, and prosecutors by ending legal uncertainty and focusing the justice system on protecting victims rather than repeat offenders.
The Conservatives are calling on the government to introduce the bill this fall. If it doesn’t, they say a private member’s bill will be introduced to make the change.
Poilievre calls the plan “common sense justice.”
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