Knife bans in Canada? Seizing weapons before crimes are committed?

Knives are so easy to make it is hard to believe that anyone would think of banning them. But apparently it still lets the government have something to blame.

Combating a proliferation of knife crimes would be easier if the province drafts legislation that edges Saskatchewan closer to a provincewide knife ban, says Saskatoon police Chief Clive Weighill.

In meetings with provincial Justice Ministry officials about new legislation, Weighill argued for a provision that would allow police to seize a knife -- or a sword or a machete -- even if it hasn't been used in a crime or there's no discernible intention to commit an offence.

"People can walk around Spadina (Crescent) carrying a machete and an officer can't do anything about it unless someone walks up and threatens someone," said Weighill.

Police want the power to seize that weapon before a crime, such as a threat or an assault, is committed. Because some people use knives legitimately, police would decide when a knife is a threat.

"I know it's controversial, but the flip side is more weapons on the streets," said Weighill. "If you see three known gang members walking down the street brandishing machetes, that would pique an officer's interest." . . .