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In Canada, the use of firearms for self defence is prohibited. The use of firearms in self-defence is legally justifiable only when there is an imminent threat to life. But, this is challenging to prove in court. In cases involving firearms, the Crown must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the use of the firearm exceeded the boundaries of reasonable self-defence. If you use a gun for self-defense and you're charged with a serious crime such as assault or murder, you have the option to claim self-defense in court. Whether this defense is successful depends on the specific circumstances. You could still be guilty of illegal firearm possession if you didn't have a gun license or used a banned gun. In Canada, carrying tools solely for self-defense is illegal. But, using an everyday item like a flashlight for self-defense is legal if it's initially carried for a different purpose. Want to know what you can defend yourself with? Keep reading to find out the best alternatives for self defense tools on the market and learn more about defending yourself with a firearm in Canada. Can I Posses A Firearm To Defend Myself? Gun Laws Explained First off: To use a handgun in self-defense legally, you must face an immediate and credible threat to life or suffer severe bodily harm. The use of a firearm must be a last resort. Plus if you have the right to own a handgun, safe storage and transportation are mandatory. Violating these principles can lead to criminal charges. The law is clear that firearms cannot be used for the defense of property alone. Carrying a firearm for self defense is illegal. In fact, carrying any weapon or tool for the purposes of self defense is illegal. Our self-defense laws are strange. But then the self defense laws get more intricate ... Did You Use Reasonable Force With The Firearm? Canadian law mandates that any force in self-defense must be: Necessary and proportionate to the threat faced. In other words - if you shoot someone who has broken into your home, but they attacked you with a knife, say, then the court may have to take into account whether you used "excessive" force on that intruder considering they only had a knife. Your Belief That Your Life Was In Danger: They will also consider whether you deemed your life in immediate danger such as imminent life-threatening situations. "Duty to Retreat" Principle In Canada, there's an emphasis on avoiding violence and retreating from potential conflicts when safely possible. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, during an interview on the Crooked Media podcast in LA, stated that in Canada, firearm owners do not have the right to use their weapons for self-defense. This statement was made while he was participating in the Summit of the Americas. “We have a culture where the difference is guns can be used for hunting or for sport shooting in Canada and there’s lots of gun owners and they’re mostly law respecting and law abiding.” “But you can’t use a gun for self-protection in Canada, that’s not a right that you have, in the constitution or anywhere else.” In addition, there is the complexity of gun licensing requirements ... Gun Licensing Requirements To legally possess a firearm, you must obtain a government-issued license, either a Possession and Acquisition License (PAL) or a Possession Only License (POL). Eligibility includes completing a safety course, having no criminal record, and no history of mental illness. All firearms in Canada must be officially registered, including details of the firearm, owner and intended use. Certain individuals, such as those with mental health issues, violent crime convictions, or domestic abuse records, are barred from owning firearms. While firearms acquisition certificates are necessary for owning hunting rifles and shotguns, using these for self-defence is subject to stringent legal scrutiny. The law permits self-defence but mandates that the use of a firearm in such a scenario must be reasonable and proportional to the perceived threat. Now, let's explore some non-firearm alternatives that can be used for self-defense, starting with Dog Spray. 7 Alternatives to Firearms for Self-Defense 1. Dog Spray SABRE Dog & Coyote Attack Spray SABRE Max Strength Dog Spray SABRE Dog & Coyote Spray While it's against the law in Canada to carry bear spray for use on people, dog and coyote spray is a permissible alternative for defense against dogs, wildlife, and other (ahem) animals. This type of spray, including versions specifically for dogs and coyotes, is typically available in small canisters with a key ring attachment, allowing you to easily attach it to your keychain or bag. You can read our full guide on whether you can use bear spray for self defense in Canada here. 2. Diversion Water Bottle With a sneaky hidden compartment, this stainless-steel bottle is your sidekick defense tool and also allows you to stash cash, cards, keys and those little treasures you want hidden away. And here's the kicker: it's a fully functional water bottle. Check prices on Amazon. Stash-It Diversion Water Bottle 3. Personal Safety Alarms Personal alarms emit a piercing 125-decibel noise and a flashing strobe light when activated, effectively drawing attention and disorienting potential attackers. Ideal for joggers, seniors, teens, women and night workers, these alarms are a reliable tool for anyone who might feel vulnerable. Compact in size, they fit easily into a bag or pocket. Here are some personal safety alarms we recommend: She's Birdie Thopeb Siren Keychain Vantamo Personal Alarm Emergency Personal Alarm 4. Self-defense keychains 10 Piece Self-Defense Keychain Self-Defense Keychain Self-defense keychains occupy a gray area in Canadian law. While carrying any item exclusively for self-defense is illegal, as it's classified as a prohibited weapon, keychains are legally permissible if their primary purpose is something else, like holding keys. In situations where a keychain with self-defense features is used defensively during an unexpected attack, this use might be defendable in court. 5. Tactical Flashlights Rechargeable Flashlight Lumens Flashlight Your every day flashlight can serve as a self-defense tool, capable of blinding and disorienting an attacker when shone in their eyes. Being a legal item to carry in Canada, unlike various other self-defense tools, you can conveniently keep a flashlight with you in your bag at all times without legal concerns. 6. Tactical Pen Most Loaded 3-In-1 Tactical Pen Smith & Wesson Tactical Pen If you’re trapped in a car, you can break glass with a Tactical Pen. And remember, in Canada, it's illegal to carry it solely as a weapon, so it's on you because it's a pen, right? This handy little tool typically features a sharp or pointed end perfect for glass-breaking emergencies. And yes, it's sharp enough for self-defense if things get dicey. So when picking one, choose a pen that's mightier in more ways than one – for writing, window-smashing, or even giving an unwelcome intruder a surprise jab. Read my full guide on the 10 best tactical pens here. 7. Apple AirTag Apple AirTag While the primary function of Apple’s AirTag is for tracking belongings, it also serves a useful role in your personal safety. Placing one in your bag or on your keychain allows friends and family to keep an eye on your location through the Find My app, which can be reassuring when you're out for a jog or commuting in the evening. Keep in mind, in Canada, you can't carry any tool with the sole intention of using it for self-defense. However, if you're carrying an item like a flashlight for another purpose and end up using it as a weapon in a confrontation, then you're acting within the law. For example, if you have a flashlight with you for lighting the way at night, and you use it to defend yourself during an attack, this would be considered legal since the flashlight was not carried with the intention of self-defense. Can I Use A Firearm For Self Defence? Gun Control Laws Canada's gun control laws, especially the 1977 Criminal Law Amendment Act, tightly regulate firearms. Automatic weapons and sawed-off shotguns and rifles are prohibited for general public use. Handguns require a registration certificate and are restricted to specific groups like police, security personnel, gun club members, collectors, and individuals demonstrating a need for self-protection. Key Points: Prohibition of Certain Weapons: Automatic firearms, sawed-off shotguns, and rifles are generally prohibited. Handguns: Owning a handgun requires a registration certificate, reserved for specific groups like police, security personnel, and gun collectors. Acquisition Certificates: Necessary for hunting rifles and shotguns, these certificates are a prerequisite for legal ownership. The Firearms Act In Part One, section 28 of the Firearms Act, circumstances in which an individual needs restricted firearms or prohibited handguns to protect the life of that individual or of other individuals are where: (a) the life of that individual, or other individuals, is in imminent danger from one or more other individuals; (b) police protection is not sufficient in the circumstances; and (c) the possession of a restricted firearm or prohibited handgun can reasonably be justified for protecting the individual or other individuals from death or grievous bodily harm. Even though using a firearm in self-defense may be legal if your life is under threat, historically, in case law this has been very tricky for people to prove. If it is found that a firearm was used with malicious intent, making the act illegal, the consequences are quite severe. Related articles: 5 Best Tactical Flashlights For Self-Defense 10 Best Self-Defense Gifts For Her Can I Carry A Knife in Canada? 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Brass Knuckles are illegal in Canada as they are considered prohibited weapons. Plastic knuckles are not prohibited under the classification of "brass knuckles" and therefore are legal. Even though plastic knuckles are legal and are not "prohibited weapons" like their metal counterparts, misuse or use in a manner that threatens or harms another person will lead to legal consequences. These aren't just stylish chunks of metal. They've been symbols of power, protection, and controversy. But in Canada, do they hold a place in the legal framework? Let's dive in. Are Brass Knuckles Legal in Canada? The short answer: Not all of them. Metal brass knuckles? Definitely illegal. Metal brass knuckles fall under a category known as "prohibited weapons," and if you are carrying them, you'll be charged with “possession of a prohibited weapon.” But what about plastic knuckles? As long as they're made from plastic, plastic knuckles are perfectly legal to own in Canada - BUT you cannot use them. My Advice : Even if plastic knuckles might be technically legal, carrying them around could still get someone in legal trouble for other reasons, such as possessing a weapon with the intent to harm. Why? It's believed they can cause undue harm if used maliciously. So, possessing, selling, or importing brass knuckles are against the law - however, plastic knuckles are actually legal in Canada. Restricted vs. Prohibited: Understanding Weapon Categories in Canada While they might appear as mere pieces of shaped metal, brass knuckles have been a source of concern for law enforcement agencies across the world. Their compact nature and ease of concealment make them an ideal choice for those needing a discreet yet effective weapon. "Are brass knuckles a restricted weapon?" is a question that often pops up. The answer? Brass knuckles proudly (or not-so-proudly) wear the badge of "prohibited weapon." They are designed to amplify the power of a punch, focusing it on a small area and increasing the chance for injury. They are not legal and should not be used to harm or threaten another person, or to be used-in self defense. Canada's Stand on Prohibited Weapons Canada's Criminal Code explicitly classifies brass knuckles as prohibited weapons. This isn’t just about the metal ones. Any device designed to be worn over the knuckles with the intention of increasing the effect of a punch is considered illegal. The potential harm these can inflict is deemed unacceptable, hence their prohibition. Read the full definition within Canada's Criminal Code here . Brass Knuckles vs Plastic Knuckles All metal knuckles are considered prohibited weapons as are any similar devices made of metal designed to fit over the fingers of the hand to concentrate the force of a punch, Brass Knuckles Combined with Other Weapons If brass knuckles are combined with other weapons like knives, it is the brass knuckles' portion that determines the classification as a prohibited weapon. Exceptions: Plastic Knuckles: Plastic knuckles are explicitly stated as not falling within the definition of "brass knuckle," meaning they are not prohibited based on this classification. However, misuse could still lead to penalties under other laws. It's essential to understand that even though plastic knuckles may not be prohibited under this specific classification, if you use them to harm or threaten another person, you'll face legal consequences. As always, if there's any doubt about an item's legality or intended use, consult legal advice. If Brass Knuckles are Illegal in Canada, Why Can Shops Sell Them? It's a puzzling conundrum: you walk into a shop in Canada and spot brass knuckles on display, but federal law clearly labels them as prohibited weapons. How can stores legally sell them amidst such restrictions? Novelty and Decorative Items : Often, what you're seeing in shops aren't functional brass knuckles intended for use as a weapon. Instead, they might be decorative pieces, belt buckles or jewelry. These items might resemble brass knuckles but aren't designed for the same purpose. Loopholes and Gray Areas : Some sellers exploit legal ambiguities by marketing these items under different names or for different uses. They might try sell them as "paperweights" or "ornaments." Lack of Enforcement : The truth is, not all shops are compliant. Some might be selling these items illegally, banking on the hope that law enforcement won't catch on or that the penalties aren't severe enough to deter them. Import and Export Nuances : While possession and use of brass knuckles might be illegal, the laws governing their sale, especially for export or as collectibles, might differ. Some shops might sell them with the understanding that they're meant for export or collection purposes only. However, it's crucial for consumers to understand that the purchase, possession, or use of brass knuckles, even if bought legally, can land them in hot water - it will be assumed you're carrying or using them as a weapon. Ignorance of the law is rarely a defensible position in court. If in doubt, it's always wise to steer clear or seek legal advice. Can I Buy Brass Knuckles Online? When you buy brass knuckles from an international website, Canadian law still applies. So purchasing brass knuckles online website doesn't skirt Canadian law. Facing the Music: Legal Repercussions Being caught with brass knuckles in Canada means that you've been caught with the charge of "possession of a prohibited weapon." This charge can carry with it severe penalties and first-time offenders can face hefty fines, which might be accompanied by potential prison time, especially if you have prior offenses. Moreover, there’s the looming threat of a criminal record which can hinder future employment opportunities, travel plans, and even housing applications. Brass Knuckles in BC: Unraveling the Legality Aligning with the broader Canadian consensus: brass knuckles illegal. Canada’s Criminal Code clearly categorizes them as prohibited weapons. In British Columbia, regional bylaws may oscillate on various matters, but regarding brass knuckles, BC doesn’t offer special privileges for curators or hobbyists. Beyond Brass Knuckles: Other Prohibited Self-Defense Tools in Canada While brass knuckles often steal the limelight in discussions about banned self-defense items in Canada, they are just the tip of the iceberg. Canada has a stringent stance on various weapons to ensure public safety. Here's a rundown of other prohibited self-defense tools: Automatic Knives (Switchblades) : Any knife where the blade opens automatically, either through gravity, centrifugal force, or by pressing a button, is prohibited in Canada. Push Daggers : These T-handled sharp instruments are designed to be gripped while the blade protrudes between the fingers, making them illegal due to their concealable and deadly nature. Spiked Finger Rings : Rings fitted with blades or spikes capable of being projected are banned. However, decorative bumps or edges, not designed as weapons, are typically exempted. Nunchaku (Nunchucks) : Often associated with martial arts, nunchaku is a prohibited weapon. Their potential to cause harm has led to their restriction. Throwing Stars and Shuriken : These sharp-edged, multi-pointed weapons, often associated with ninja folklore, are illegal to possess or distribute. Blowguns : A simple tube through which darts can be blown, often with harmful or poisonous effects, is also on the prohibited list. Cattle Prods exceeding 500,000 volts : While cattle prods for agricultural use are legal, those designed for personal defense and delivering a jolt above 500,000 volts are not. Mace and Tear Gas : Carrying these for self-defense, rather than for their intended purpose by police and military, is a no-go in Canada. If you're considering a self-defense tool, don't carry anything intending to use it as a weapon. Choose legal self-defense methods, like personal alarms or self-defense classes, for a safer and wiser approach. What Tools Are Legal For Self-Defense? The intent behind carrying a tool is everything. You can't carry any tool with the primary intention of self-defense . But if you find yourself in a sticky situation and use a carried item as a spur-of-the-moment defense? You're within legal bounds. Let's dissect what you can arm yourself with: Personal Safety Alarms: These devices are loud and attention-grabbing. Perfect for drawing eyes (and ears) your way when in distress. Just pull the pin, and you'll set off a blaring alarm and flashing lights. She's Birdie   Thopeb Siren Keychain   Vantamo Personal Alarm Emergency Personal Alarm   Dog Spray: Pepper spray for humans? No-go in Canada. But dog spray to fend off aggressive animals? Fair game. Just ensure it's solely for animals. SABRE Dog & Coyote Attack Spray SABRE Max Strength Dog Spray   SABRE Dog & Coyote Spray You can read our full guide on whether you can use bear spray for self defense in Canada here . Self-Defense Keychains Here's where it gets tricky. These can be legal as long as their primary function isn't self-defense . So, if you're using it mainly to jingle your keys and only use its defensive feature in an unplanned incident, you should be in the clear. 10 Piece Self-Defense Keychain   Self-Defense Keychain Safety Whistles: A whistle's shrill can be a potential attacker's deterrent. Simple, legal, and effective. Titanium Emergency Whistle   Flashlights: Beyond lighting up dark corners, a bright flashlight can blind and confuse an assailant. Plus, they're perfectly legal. Rechargeable Flashlight Lumens Flashlight   Tactical Pen Keychain Safe Glass Breaker: This tool doubles up: handy in emergencies to break car windows and, if push comes to shove, for self-defense. But remember, its primary identity should be 'a pen'. The defense bit? That's Plan B. Most Loaded 3-In-1 Tactical Pen Smith & Wesson Tactical Pen   Water Bottle: An every day item that when filled with frozen water, might be a better deterrent than nothing. Navigating the rules of self-defense tools? Stick to the straight and narrow. In Canada, the law has its say. Instead of landing in a legal soup with prohibited items, why not ring in safety with personal alarms or some legit self-defense moves? Safe, savvy, and no side-eye from the law. That's how we roll. Stay sharp.

Is your smartphone silently betraying you? Every tap, every swipe, every time you input your bank credentials or share a photo, you trust your phone to be doing its job. It's our personal assistant, our finance manager, and our educator. Yet, if you're wondering how to know if your phone is being tracked, consider this: every intimate message, every transaction, and every place you navigated to could have been silently observed by prying eyes. By the end of this guide, you'll gain insights into detecting if your phone is under surveillance and the steps to address it. On this page, you’ll find: 9 Signs Your Phone Is Being Tracked Who Would Want To Track My Phone? 8 Ways To Improve Your Phone Security 3 Most Common Queries on Phone Tracking 9 Signs Your Phone Is Being Tracked 1. Unusual Battery Drain Notice your phone's battery draining faster than usual? A hacked phone often consumes more power because of the hidden processes running in the background, feeding data back to the hacker. How to check data usage for Android Go to Settings Depending on your device type, search for either Connections → Data usage → Mobile data or Network & Internet → Mobile network Scroll down to locate App data usage Click to get information for each app If you have an Android phone, turn on Data Saver to reduce the amount of data background apps can use. 1. Go to Go to Settings 2. Tap Network & Internet and then toggle on Data Saver. How to check data usage for iPhone Go to Settings → Cellular or Settings → Mobile Data Scroll down to see the apps that are using cellular data. 2. You Notice Spikes in Data Usage Notice your data consumption skyrocketing? Some tracking apps might be sending your data to external servers. 3. Location & Camera Indicators Randomly Turn On If you notice your location icon activating without opening related apps, or if the camera light turns on without prompting, someone might be tracking you. These can be indicators of malicious apps accessing your camera or GPS to monitor your activities. 4. Odd Background Noises Hearing strange sounds during phone calls? It's possible that someone is tapping your calls. 5. Sluggish Performance A sudden drop in phone performance can be attributed to many factors, tracking software being one of them. 6. Annoying Pop-Ups and Ads Excessive ads can be a sign of adware, a type of software that tracks your browsing habits to display targeted advertisements. 7. Hot Phone Temperature If your phone is hot without intensive usage, it could be working overtime due to tracking apps. 8. Unfamiliar Apps Spot an app you don’t remember downloading? Investigate it and possibly delete it. If an app unnecessarily asks for extensive permissions, such as modifying files, be wary. And while you're at it, ensure you're downloading apps only from the real source like the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store. Also a quick search about the developer can often reveal if the app's trustworthy or sketchy. 9. Weird Text Messages Receiving cryptic texts can indicate a tracking app trying to communicate with your device. Who Would Want To Track My Phone? You may be less shocked than you think to learn that these three major entities could be prying on your digital life. 1. Cybercriminals What fuels their interest in your data? Money. Cybercriminals want to: Deploy malware into your devices. Access and misuse financial credentials. Create and traffic counterfeit passports. Impersonate your digital identity. Use manipulative adware. 2. The Sales-Driven Snoops: Advertisers You may have heard: brands crave your data. Ever found uncannily specific ads populating your social feeds after a casual chat about a need? That's tracking in action, pinpointing your niche interests and local engagements. Your personal spending habits, interests and online behavior is a goldmine of information for advertises. It forms the bedrock of online ads. To ascertain consumer triggers, advertisers leverage extensive, sometimes intrusive, data collection methods. 3. Government Agencies The fear of state surveillance looms large, particularly in regions with notable governmental overreach. It's never been easier to monitor and store a population's data. While these agencies tout the importance of data for national security, transparency remains a concern. Tech giants, including Google and Facebook, frequently share user data with these bodies. But the exact utilization of this data remains unclear. 8 Ways To Improve Your Phone Security Here's a checklist to bolster your phone's security: 1. Adopt Tricky Passwords Avoid simplistic passwords (forget movies, tv shows, your family names or 12345!) Craft distinctive passwords or phrases with capital letters, symbols and numbers. Also refrain from recycling passwords across multiple platforms. 2. Use Two-Factor Authentication & Biometrics Even though you find it irritating, turn on two-factor authentication (2FA) and biometric measures like facial recognition or fingerprinting for an added layer of protection. 3. Install Updates Developers release updates to rectify glitches and seal security gaps - make it a habit to promptly install these updates, ensuring your applications remain at their safest. 4. Implement Antivirus Software Despite being cautious, some cyber threats might breach your defenses. Using reputable antivirus software provides a dual advantage: it scans for and eliminates any lurking threats and offers real-time defense against threats. 5. Consider a VPN Fortify your phone or any device by installing a VPNs to encrypt your online activities, making tracking almost impossible. While a VPN can help cloak your online activities, ensuring your software is up-to-date is equally crucial. Those updates often come with important security patches. 6. Regularly Audit Your Apps Familiarize yourself with all the apps on your phone and regularly check for any unfamiliar ones. 7. Do A Factory Reset When in doubt, a factory reset can cleanse your phone of any potential trackers - remember to back up your data first! 8. Avoid Connecting To Public Wi-Fi Yes, this goes for all your favorite malls, Starbucks and McDonalds Wi-Fi - these networks can be a haven for hackers. If you have to connect to Wi-Fi, definitely don't check your banking or email apps. 3 Most Common Queries About Phone Tracking If I disable location sharing, is my phone still trackable? Yes. Advanced tools, like devices mimicking cell towers, can still pinpoint your phone's location using Wi-Fi or cell tower signals. Can someone locate my phone even when it's off? It's challenging, but not impossible. Upon turning your phone on, its last known location might be visible. Moreover, certain phones offer a low-power mode that can track your device, even when powered down. Is my phone traceable in airplane mode? Activating airplane mode does successfully disconnect Wi-Fi and mobile data, but GPS functions differently and can still be active. To enhance privacy, consider disabling GPS and then activating airplane mode. I hope you found this guide useful in knowing how to detect and prevent unwanted surveillance. Arm yourself with the knowledge to stay secure, and never underestimate the importance of digital safety. .