TheGunBlog.ca — The Canadian government said it’s reviewing gun policies to boost public safety, cut paperwork and address outdated regulations. The last part is new.
Statement by the Ministry of Public Safety
The guiding principle of firearms policy and legislation is public safety. Firearms policy prioritizes public safety, while remaining mindful of the need for legislative and regulatory measures to be manageable for firearms owners and businesses. A review of the regulations under the Firearms Act will allow us to identify any opportunities to enhance public safety and to reduce administrative burdens. It will also focus on regulatory provisions that are out of date as a result of amendments that have been made to the Firearms Act.
Background
- TheGunBlog.ca asked the Ministry of Public Safety about its review of firearm policies, including priorities, concerns and desired outcomes.
- Jean-Philippe Levert, a spokesman for the ministry, replied by e-mail today.
What’s New
- This is the first time TheGunBlog.ca has heard mention of a focus on outdated regulations as a result of changes to the Firearms Act.
Interpretation
- The focus on outdated regulations could relate to planned import restrictions known as the Firearms Marking Regulations, said Tony Bernardo, executive director of the Canadian Shooting Sports Association.
- It could also relate to the campaign pledge to “require firearms vendors to keep records of all firearms inventory and sales.” A similar database of many rifles and shotguns was eliminated by the previous government when it scrapped the so-called Long-Gun Registry.
Why It Matters
- The government is preparing a set of new gun laws and policies.
- The Liberal party, which controls government, said in its 2015 campaign platform that it would make it harder for shooters and companies to buy, sell, transport and import guns.
- Past statements (here and here) have mentioned public safety, respect for gun owners and businesses, as well as promises to not recreate a federal long-gun registry.
- Although staff won’t reveal specifics of the new policies before their official release, the latest wording may offer clues about what’s planned, or how plans have changed.
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