Ford government defends powers to arm special constables: We ran on Protect Ontario [Video]

The Ford government is defending its move to give the solicitor general the power to arm as-yet unidentified groups of special constables — and says it delivers on its election promise to “protect Ontario.”

Last week, Global News reported how the government had quietly included a clause in its latest omnibus justice legislation that would allow it to expand the number of special constables who can carry firearms.

Special constables operate similarly to police, but they are not police officers. Currently, only Niagara Parks Commission special constables and those who work for police forces in other jurisdictions are allowed to use guns.

Other special constables — who work in campus security, on transit, at community housing and with existing police services — carry batons and pepper spray.

Solicitor General Michael Kerzner defended the move on Monday, promising consultations would come after the legislation is passed and before he passes regulations to expand the weapons some …