As a proud business owner, concerned citizen, and father I am calling on the Canadian government to act and implement an ordinance banning the use of all face coverings at public demonstrations, schools, parks, city-owned buildings, and public transportation in 2024. These face coverings are casually being used by feckless thugs and rabblerousers to intimidate business owners, threaten law enforcement, and undermine public safety. Concealing the identities of those who threaten our safety and livelihood should be illegal.  Their faces should be known, not hidden, or disguised.  

Canada should introduce this ordinance, as the States of Florida, North Carolina, and Virginia have in the U.S., where wearing a mask, balaclava or full face covering at a public protest is a felony punishable by jail time. This will allow law enforcement to easily identify antagonists, making people think twice before roaming our streets, defacing public property, and illegally infringing on others’ rights as private citizens.

With support from our local, Provincial and Federal leaders and those in law enforcement organizations, such as the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police (CACP) and the Police Association of Ontario (PAO), this will help ensure that the legislation is well-crafted and effective.

It is awful to witness the violent rhetoric espoused by those hiding behind masks shutting down stores, intruding on private property, and otherwise fueling hatred in our streets.  Please sign this petition now and share with your network so that we can make a small bit of meaningful change here in Canada.