Gun registry nears crucial vote in Ottawa

Posted By Greg Vandermeulen

Posted 3 months ago

The first hour of debate has passed and the second hour was scheduled for Oct. 28 on Portage-Lisgar MP Candice Hoeppner's private members bill that seeks to eliminate the long gun registry for rifles and shotguns.

The first vote on the issue could be as soon as Nov. 4.

Hoeppner said support seems to be high, adding if party leaders allow a free vote, the long gun registry requirement for businesses and individuals could be gone.

"That's what we're hoping for," she said. "Now is not the time for partisan games. I am calling on members of the house from both the government side and opposition to work with me in passing Bill C-391."

"I am urging the leaders of the opposition to not whip the vote, but rather permit their members to vote freely and represent the wishes of their constituents," she added. "Only then will we end the wasteful long-gun registry."

Support from the Saskatoon Police Association and the Saskatchewan Federation of Police Officers has given Hoeppner a boost as she promotes her private members bill.

Strong Support

"This demonstration of support speaks to how important my bill is to Canadians that so many people including front line police officers and police associations are voicing their support to end the long-gun registry," said Hoeppner.

The SFPO represents over 1,100 men and women working for six municipal police agencies in Saskatchewan.

Hoeppner noted that the expressions of support by Canadian police officers indicate that efforts to end the long-gun registry are far greater than the president of the Canadian Police Association and the president of the Canadian Chiefs of Police Association would have the public believe.

Bipartisan Bill?

Police associations are not the only ones speaking out. Bill C-391 has garnered support from New Democratic Party members Bruce Hyer and John Rafferty, who last spring issued a joint press release expressing their support for the legislation.

"I am encouraged that my bill has the support not only of my Conservative colleagues but also members of the opposition," stated Hoeppner. "Working together with all members of parliament, police associations, and the people of Canada, we can put an end to the wasteful long-gun registry."

The bill will repeal the requirement to register non-restricted long-guns.

Individuals will still be required to have a valid firearms license, and go through a police background check and safety training in order to purchase or possess firearms and to purchase ammunition. Individuals will also continue to be required to register prohibited and restricted firearms, such as handguns.