Save the gun registry - fight Bill C-19
February 16, 2012
Public safety ignored as Conservative bill to eliminate long-gun registry approved in House of Commons
The PSAC is gravely concerned that Members of Parliament have agreed to eliminate the federal long-gun registry and to destroy the more than seven million records in the registry by voting for Bill C-19.
Rifles and shotguns are the firearms most often used in family violence and the long-gun registry has proven to be a critical tool in tackling domestic violence.
Registering long guns has had a demonstrated impact on the overall reduction of homicides and the prevention of gun-related violence.
PSAC members working in the Miramichi office of the Canada Firearms Program can testify to the usefulness of the program. It is used regularly and frequently by police and other first responders such as health care workers and firefighters, who need to know if weapons and ammunition are in the home.
Most owners have already registered their firearms. Why shouldn't gun owners face the same responsibilities and restrictions that we demand from owners of vehicles and pets?
The long-gun registry may be a small inconvenience for some Canadians but it is literally a life-saver for others.
The PSAC calls on the Senators of Canada to rise above partisan affiliations and differences in defence of the safety of Canadians and refuse to pass Bill C-19. And we urge all concerned citizens to contact Senators with the same message.
Date Modified : 2012/02/16
