The legislation regulates the possession, transportation and storage of items that may be used as street weapons, such as knives, hypodermic needles, machetes and bear spray, as well as dangerous drugs such as methamphetamine and fentanyl.

In a news release Justice Minister and Attorney General Tim McLeod said. “The coming-into-force of this Act will empower law enforcement and give them an important tool to appropriately address individuals that use street weapons to intimidate or harm people in public spaces.”

Persons in breach of the new rules can be charged with a provincial offence and could be fined up to $5,000. Imprisonment for up to one year is also on the able, or both a fine and imprisonment. The Act further provides police enhanced powers to seize these items from people in public spaces where there is a threat to public safety, regardless of whether a charge is laid.

Public spaces may include public buildings, parks, playgrounds, any land or building entered without consent of the owner, common areas of condominiums or apartments, unoccupied land or buildings, or vehicles travelling through public spaces.

Individual municipalities and First Nations can choose whether they want to opt into the Act. If a municipality or First Nation does not opt into the Act, the rules do not apply to that municipality or First Nation.