Ontario to Expand Transit Constables' Drug Arrest Powers

TORONTO Ontario's government announced plans Monday to introduce legislation granting special constables on major transit systems expanded powers to arrest individuals using illegal drugs in public transit areas.

Solicitor General Michael Kerzner said the measures aim to enhance commuter safety, noting that encounters with people using illegal drugs in enclosed spaces such as buses, streetcars, subways and trains can be frightening and dangerous. "Protecting Ontario means making sure people feel safe when they use public transit," Kerzner stated. "Through these proposed changes, we are giving law enforcement and their partners the tools they need to keep our communities and transit systems safe, while holding offenders and those who enable them accountable."

The changes would apply to special constables employed by Metrolinx, which operates GO Transit; the Toronto Transit Commission; and OC Transpo in Ottawa. Under the proposal, constables could instruct suspected drug users to stop, issue fines for non-compliance and make arrests if necessary before transferring cases to police. Kerzner described the process: a constable would first ask an individual to cease using drugs,...