Federal firearms bill in crosshairs

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This article was published 06/12/2022 (751 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Organizations that speak for Manitoba hunters and firearms owners say proposed federal legislation, which will ban dozens of hunting and sport firearms, will do nothing to curb crime.

The Manitoba Wildlife Federation and the Manitoba Lodges and Outfitters Association say they are opposed to it, even if a list detailing what firearms are included in the ban is amended.

“It does nothing to address the underlying causes of crime in Canada,” said Chris Benson, the federation’s programs and event co-ordinator, who teaches firearm safety courses.

“(The bill) has nothing to do with public safety.”

Benson said guns used to commit crimes in Canada are mostly smuggled in from the United States.

“If we want to lessen crime in Canada, we need to invest in social programs that get kids off the street and invest in community centres where kids can be out with their friends,” he said. “Invest in mental health programs and job programs to give people a chance not to get involved in crime.”

Graham Neale, executive director of the outfitters association, said they look forward to being consulted on the legislation.

“We definitely support a comprehensive plan to end gun violence, but we don’t support these amendments,” Neale said, adding the list includes common makes and models of firearms owned by millions of Canadians.

“Our members are small businesses and family operations in rural Manitoba providing export tourism-related services… Eliminating their access and their clients’ access to products essential for their operations could eliminate the business completely, negatively impacting Canadian families, and local economies in which they operate.”

Bill C-21 was designed to ban handguns, but was expended to include a ban on a list of long guns.

In response to criticism, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said this week the bill is being reviewed to ensure it does not target hunting rifles or shotguns.

“We just put forward a list and we’re consulting with Canadians on that,” Trudeau said on Monday. “That’s what we’re listening to, feedback on how to make sure that we’re not capturing weapons that are primarily hunting weapons.”

Benson said Canada’s laws on firearm ownership and safety include are more rigorous than those in the United States.

He said to possess a firearm, Canadians must pass an eight-hour firearm safety course that has practical and written tests before being able to apply for a gun licence.

“The RCMP does an extensive background check, including a criminal record check and asking for references, and it takes six to eight to 12 months,” Benson said.

“If approved and a card is issued, then every day the individual’s name is run through a criminal record check. It even happens on Christmas Day.”

Benson said that only allows a person to buy a firearm and use it for target practice at a range.

To be able to hunt, a hunter safety course is necessary and a six-hour course is required for handgun ownership.

“If you’re someone who has never picked up a gun and want to go hunting, it will take you 16 hours of courses and multiple tests,” he said.

“There are 2.2 million legal firearm owners and they’ve all gone through these courses and are storing their firearms safely and going hunting with family members or going to the range. They’re not the problem.

“The problem is with criminals.”

kevin.rollason@freepress.mb.ca

Kevin Rollason
Reporter

Kevin Rollason is one of the more versatile reporters at the Winnipeg Free Press. Whether it is covering city hall, the law courts, or general reporting, Rollason can be counted on to not only answer the 5 Ws — Who, What, When, Where and Why — but to do it in an interesting and accessible way for readers.

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