This bill limits carrying certain weapons in public places in cities, towns, and villages in Manitoba. Its goal is to reduce street violence and give officers clear power to remove risky items from public spaces.
It covers “street weapons,” which include long‑bladed weapons (defined in another Manitoba law), axes or hatchets, pepper spray of a certain strength, and any other items the government later lists.
People can still keep these items at home and use them on their own property. Some work and transport uses are allowed.
Police and designated safety officers can seize a street weapon they see in public if they believe the person is breaking this law, even if no charge is laid at that time.
Fines and possible jail apply for breaking the rules. First Nations can choose to opt in, and city or First Nation rules prevail if they conflict with this Act.
The law takes effect on a date the government sets later.
Key changes and impacts:
Bans carrying listed “street weapons” in public spaces in population centres.
Allows transport between places where the item can be stored or used, following rules set later.
Lets postal and courier workers carry pepper spray in public for animal protection while on duty.
Sets a process to seize, hold, return, or forfeit seized items.
Creates fines up to $5,000 (first offence) and up to $10,000 (later offences), and possible short jail terms.
Lets regulations add or exempt items, places, and situations.
You cannot carry a listed street weapon in public places in a city, town, or village. Public places include streets, parks, buses and taxis, stores, and the common areas of apartment or condo buildings.
You may keep these items at home and use or possess them on private property that you own or occupy (like your yard).
You can move them from a store to your home, or between places where they are allowed, but you must follow transport rules the government will set.
If an officer believes you are breaking the law, they can take the item right away. You can ask in writing to get it back within set time limits if you are not charged, or if you are found not guilty.
Workers and businesses
If your work reasonably requires a listed item, you may carry or use it while doing your job.
Manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and common carriers can handle these items in the normal course of business.
Canada Post and courier employees may carry pepper spray in public for protection from wildlife or other animals while on duty.
Details on how to transport these items will be set by regulation.
Apartment and condo residents
Hallways, lobbies, and other shared areas count as public spaces. You cannot carry a listed item there unless an exception applies.
Rural and small community residents
The ban applies only in public spaces in population centres (cities, towns, villages, or areas with homes close together). It does not cover public spaces outside those areas.
First Nations
This law applies on a First Nation only if that First Nation chooses to opt in.
If a First Nation law conflicts with this Act, the First Nation law prevails where they differ.
Local governments
If a city by-law conflicts with this Act, the city rule applies where they differ.
Penalties and process
First offence: up to a $5,000 fine, up to three months in jail, or both.
Second or later offence: up to a $10,000 fine, up to six months in jail, or both.
If you are convicted or miss the deadline to ask for your item back, it is forfeited to the government.
A judge can order the item held longer if needed for an investigation or trial.
Timing
The law will start on a date the government announces later.