After a string of high-profile home in invasions in the GTA (Greater Toronto Area) in which the homeowners were shot by their assailants, Ontario Premier Doug Ford is going to bat for his constituents: asking Ottawa to approve the use of (checks notes)… pepper spray for self defence.

Currently section 88 of Canada's Criminal Code  makes it illegal to possess, let alone use pepper spray in any capacity.

"Everyone commits an offence who carries or possesses a weapon … for a purpose dangerous to the public peace or for the purpose of committing an offence."

Many say we need a "Castle Doctrine" in Canada – which most liberal boomers oppose, probably because they feel it would be too… American. The US is one of only three countries in the world where gun ownership is constitutionally protected, the other two are Mexico and Guatemala, which aren't exactly helping the case.

But all that is really needed is some language around Section 88 to clarify that defending oneself, or family, or home is not an offense.

In Switzerland, for example, the rate of gun ownership is among the highest in the world. The Swiss have a statutory right to acquire and possess arms "within the framework of this law" – which involves a background check and a clean criminal record. Entirely reasonable.

Meanwhile, here in Canada, the two-tier justice system will perpetually re-release violent offenders, give so-called "immigrant discounts" on sentencing for violators who are not yet citizens and charge the home owners or occupants when backed against the wall and gave the audacity to defend themselves.

Here's Brampton MP and "Secretary of State for Combatting Crime" Ruby Sahota laying it out for us: