Ottawa Now - Could Ontario's special constable enforcement alterations clash with the Charter?

The Ford government is giving special constables more powers to crack down on transit drug use. Under this new legislation, transit police will be able to fine and arrest people who are caught red-handed. Ontario Solicitor General Michael Kerzner says these situations can be dangerous, especially in the dead of night with nobody around. He maintains this is all about preserving public safety and keeping communities safe. However, critics are not easily convinced. Harini Sivalingam, the Director of Equality for the Canadian Civil Liberties Association, says these legislation changes are concerning on a Charter level. She questions their overall effectiveness on today’s Ottawa Now.