Overview

• Pierre Poilievre unveiled a proposed “Stand on Guard” amendment to the Criminal Code to presume force, including lethal force, is reasonable when used against someone who unlawfully enters a home and poses a threat.
• He said Conservatives will introduce the change as a private member’s bill this fall if the government declines to act.
• The proposal targets Section 34.2, contrasting with the current 2013 framework that requires courts to weigh nine factors to decide whether defensive force was reasonable.
• A recent Lindsay, Ont., case helped drive the announcement, as Jeremy David McDonald faces assault charges after an alleged intruder armed with a crossbow was critically injured and airlifted to a Toronto hospital.
• Kawartha Lakes Police Chief Kirk Robertson emphasized that defensive action must be proportionate, and Justice Minister Sean Fraser said Canadians already have a legal right to self-defence under existing law.