Summary

This Act prohibits possessing knives over 30 cm, swords, machetes, body armour, explosive devices, and bear spray over 50 grams (0.6% capsaicin or higher) in public urban spaces, with exemptions for business use, transport, and certain occupations. Police may seize items they believe on reasonable grounds constitute a threat to public safety, and courts must forfeit seized items on conviction. The Act applies only in municipalities or First Nations that opt in.

The Act creates a default prohibition on carrying certain items in public urban spaces: knives with blades 30 cm or longer, swords, machetes, body armour not used for sports, explosive devices, and bear spray exceeding 50 grams with capsaicin concentration of 0.6% or more. The definitions of "public urban space" are broad and include streets, parks, unoccupied buildings, common areas of apartment buildings, and any place the public can access. Police may seize these items if they believe on reasonable grounds the item constitutes a threat to public safety, whether or not charges are laid. Conviction results in a fine up to $5,000, up to one year imprisonment, and automatic forfeiture of the seized item. Exemptions exist for transport between lawful locations, business use, workplace safety (including wildlife protection), food preparation, and certain occupations. The Act only applies in municipalities or First Nations that choose to opt in through a process set by future regulation. Municipal bylaws on the same subject prevail over this Act.