Delaying new gun-control regulations could ‘cost lives,’ advocates warn Ottawa
By The Canadian Press on June 1, 2023.
OTTAWA – Two prominent gun-control groups are urging the Liberal government to proceed without delay in drafting regulations that will flesh out firearm legislation being reviewed by the Senate. They say in a letter to Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino that it could “cost lives” if the government allows the process to drag on for years. The letter is signed by Heidi Rathjen, co-ordinator of PolySeSouvient, and Ken Price, spokesperson for Danforth Families for Safer Communities. The groups also lay out several detailed recommendations for crafting regulations on the future classification of firearms, outlawing large-capacity magazines, enshrining a national handgun freeze and protection orders to assist victims of domestic violence. In addition, they want the government to follow through on a commitment to toughen regulations on storage of guns by owners and retailers to prevent firearm theft. Mendicino says in an interview that the immediate priority is getting the bill through the Senate so it can receive royal assent before the summer break. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 1, 2023. 8-7
