The federal government is pushing to further strengthen Canadian gun control laws amidst our neighbours to the south’s own discussions over gun control.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau commented on Monday that one Canadian killed by gun violence is one too many.
“Today, we’re proposing some of the strongest measures in Canadian history to keep guns out of our communities and build a safer future for everyone,” Trudeau said.
Bill C-21 which was tabled on Monday would put forward some of the strongest gun control measures in over 40 years.
It would freeze all buying, selling, and trading of handguns in the country.
Take away firearms licenses from anyone involved in acts of domestic violence or criminal harassment.
Increase penalties for anyone attempting to smuggle or traffic guns.
And it would create a new “red flag” law that would enable courts to require individuals considered a danger to themselves or others to surrender their firearms to police.
The federal government also intends to require long-gun magazines to be permanently altered so they can never hold more than five rounds and will ban the sale and transfer of all large-capacity magazines under the Criminal code.
“These are actions that doctors, experts and chiefs of police have been calling for for years, and we’re acting on their advice,” Trudeau stated.
Marco Mendicino, Minister of Public Safety says these regulations will help stop the growth of personally owned handguns in Canada and are expected to come into force this fall.