TheGunBlog.ca — Bill Blair, Canada’s minister examining the possible banning of guns from federally licensed hunters and sport shooters, will make a recommendation to cabinet in “coming weeks” after finishing consultations, CBC News reported today, quoting the minster.

Blair’s office confirmed to TheGunBlog.ca that he will be making a proposal, while declining to say whether the minister will argue for or against new prohibitions and confiscations.

The government said in October it would report in “early 2019” on Blair’s private and public gun-ban consultations.

CBC News Excerpt

“We’ve completed that study and we’re compiling the results and I’ll be going before the cabinet in the coming weeks with results of that review and some recommendations,” Blair said during the Trudeau government’s cabinet retreat in Sherbrooke, Quebec.

“I’m hoping that we’ll be able to do that just in the next two weeks, but again, it depends on a number of different important issues that have to be addressed by government.”

Record-High Licences

All guns are banned for everyone under threat of prison unless they obtain a firearm licence from the federal police.

More than 2 million men and women have the permits, a record high. Millions more family and friends shoot safely and responsibly under their supervision.

Bans for Votes

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau asked Blair in August to examine a “full ban” on handguns and what he called “assault weapons.” A public-relations company that advises the government has said new restrictions and punishments for hunters and sport shooters present an “untapped opportunity” for Trudeau and his Liberal party to win re-election in October.

In addition to possible new bans and seizures, the government is preparing to pass Bill C-71 as a law against well-intentioned gun owners. Unless the bill is amended or defeated, it will lead to the immediate prohibition and eventual confiscation of rifles from as many as 15,000 lawful owners. Bill C-71 as written will also make it tougher for licensed shooters to buy, sell, own and transport firearms.

Opposition

Several active and retired police leaders, including the chief of the federal police in charge of firearm licensing, have questioned or opposed new bans on honest Canadians. The premiers of Ontario and Saskatchewan have also rejected them.

Andrew Scheer, the leader of the Conservative Party, has consistently opposed new prohibitions aimed at lawful shooters. He is the only federal-party leader who promised to repeal Bill C-71 if he is elected prime minister.

I just spoke to Minister Bill Blair's office. They confirmed that he will be making a recommendation to cabinet on a handgun ban, WITHOUT indicating if it will be for or against.

— TheGunBlog (@TheGunBlog) January 18, 2019

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