r/canadaguns • u/rastamasta45 • Mar 17 '26

News / Politics / Activism 3 suspects sought in Vaughan break-in, homeowner who fired gun at them not being charged

https://www.cp24.com/local/york/2026/03/17/3-suspects-sought-in-vaughan-break-in-homeowner-who-fired-gun-at-them-not-being-charged/
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u/LurkerGarry Mar 17 '26

Correct me if I’m wrong, but you do have the right to use a firearm to self defence in Canada if you feel like your life and the lives of others in the home are in danger. You’re just not allowed to chase and fire at someone retreating your home or property.

But if you do, you still need to prove in a court of law that you used your firearm lawfully correct? I can’t seem to find cases where people used their firearm to defend themselves and have gone to jail for doing so.

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u/OniDelta al Mar 17 '26

Jail isn't the problem for people using legitimate self-defense. It's the cost of the legal process that follows. Self-defense cases should be free for the defendant. They didn't ask to be put into the situation and were forced to endure it. That shouldn't come at a significant life changing cost to finances. These cases are over 6 figures and people go bankrupt protecting themselves.

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u/LurkerGarry Mar 17 '26

In Canada 60%~ of the legal costs are rewarded to the winner of the legal case. But you’re not wrong. A law abiding citizen should not have to pay thousands after defending themselves from an intruder.