Canada Needs Stronger Laws to Protect Rights of Homeowners to Defend Against Intruders

Eddie Maurice waves to supporters outside the court with his wife, Jessica, in Okotoks, Alta., on March 9, 2018. All charges were dropped against Maurice, who wounded a trespasser on his rural property with a ricochet from a warning shot. The Canadian Press/Jeff McIntosh

Commentary

It’s hard to imagine how terrifying it must have been for the man who entered his home in Red Deer, Alberta, on Aug. 9 to be confronted by a violent intruder. A struggle ensued as the housebreaker attacked the homeowner with a baseball bat. While under attack, the homeowner managed to get his shotgun and fatally shot his assailant. The homeowner was taken to hospital and treated for non-life-threatening injuries. After a short investigation, the RCMP and Crown determined that no charges would be laid against the homeowner.