Bill 9: The Street Weapons Control Act

This bill primarily affects businesses and workers in Manitoba whose day-to-day jobs involve carrying or handling these types of tools or products in public areas. Retailers, distributors, and manufacturers of knives, axes, or pepper spray can still transport and sell their stock in the normal course of business without issue. Tradespeople like landscapers, foresters, or construction workers who carry axes or large blades as part of their work are exempt as long as possession is reasonably required for their trade. Canada Post and courier company employees who carry pepper spray for protection from animals during deliveries are also specifically accommodated. Businesses outside these categories — for example, a general employee walking through a city with any of these items — could face fines of up to $5,000 for a first offence and up to $10,000 for repeat offences.