5 of my employees were sprayed with bear spray while at work yesterday. A first for us but it's way too common - did you know that #winnipeg will experience nearly 1200 incidents this year? Please read this thread on my perspectives and actions taken to reduce this crime /1
First, my team is OK but shaken. Bear spray only causes temporary physical irritation (for hrs) but they were attacked and the psychological aspect can be much more damaging. This person committed an illegal, senseless act and I will pursue it as far as I can /2
Full disclosure: I sell bear spray and have for 20+ years. I sell it as a controlled substance, locked away & in-store only. You must produce valid ID and sign a number of documents before purchasing. I hold a pesticide license and remit all information to the govt each year. /3
I will be writing the Justice @DavidLametti to ensure that those who commit this act are charged accordingly. This was a concealed, modified can of spray. It is not legal to carry in the city or use against other people. #mbpoli @MLAGoertzen google.com/amp/s/beta.ctv… /4
Bear spray is too easy to obtain online. I was able to buy a can from another retailer in < 2 min this morning and have it delivered to my house in 4 days. It should not be available online. Here is a good article to help you understand the legalities: torontodefencelawyers.com/understanding-… /5
The estimated $ component of this 8 second incident to our business is approx $2500-3000. Damaged merchandise, professional cleaners, compensated wages for 1.5 days. Does not include lost sales the wknd before Christmas. The $ cost to the city & province could be much higher /6
Why will I pursue this so hard? 1st, he caused trauma to innocent people. 2nd, he caused senseless damage to property. I'll do what I can to ensure that he knows that laws also apply to him, no matter what his situation & so he may be less likely to do this to someone else /7
We see tens of thousands of visitors to our business each year. It's important to remember that incidents such as these are still incredibly rare. However, I have no tolerance for them. One is too many & tends to overshadow the 99.9% of good interactions we have with people. 8/8
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