TheGunBlog.ca — Canadian municipalities have legal powers they could use to protect gun owners from the federal government’s political and regulatory attacks, according to a law student’s analysis.
Details
- Patrick Plunkett, in second year law at the University of New Brunswick, said existing legislation allows municipalities to appoint public officers, including armed “peace officers.”
- Cities and towns could use this ability to designate gun owners as public officers with defined powers and duties, he told TheGunBlog.ca in a memo and video interview.
- The measure would empower qualified owners to continue to buy, sell, own, and wear their firearms, countering federal politicians working to suppress firearm users.
Key Quote
The strategy involves a municipal exploitation of [Sections] 117.07(1) and 117.07(2) of the Criminal Code. These sections exempt peace officers and other public officers from offences related to the possession, importation and use of firearms found in the Criminal Code and Firearms Act, if such use, importation and possession is in accordance with the peace officer’s duties.
Patrick Plunkett, Local Peace Officer Appointment Strategy for Expanding Firearm Rights, 14 February 2022
Why It Matters
- Plunkett is among Canadians working to restore justice and stop the federal crackdowns.
- His analysis suggests cities and towns could use powers they have now, without needing new legislation. They’d be joining provinces, police leaders, and the public in defending honest citizens from hostile politicians.
- Risk: Plunkett isn’t aware of any municipality that has used these powers for this purpose. If it were tried, anti-gun politicians would almost certainly challenge it in court.
- Opportunity: Let’s give it a try.
Plunkett’s Memo to TheGunBlog.ca
Related
- Cold Lake, Alberta, Asks Towns to Fight Gun-Confiscation Order
- OFAH’s Brian McRae Discusses Municipal Firearm By-Laws: Q&A
- List of Canada’s Federal Gun Laws and Regulations
Correction 31 December 2022
- Plunkett updated page 4 of his memo to correct a mistaken interpretation of how municipalities appoint peace officers.