CANADA — In an attempt to stop gun violence across Canada, the federal government has officially enacted a freeze on the sale, purchase, and transfer of handguns. People are also prohibited from bringing guns acquired abroad into Canada. The freeze was first announced alongside Bill C-21 in May of this year before coming into effect on October 21st.
“Fewer guns mean safer communities. That’s why the Government of Canada is implementing some of the strongest gun control measures in a generation. Handguns are the weapon of choice in most firearm-related crimes, which is why limiting the number of handguns is a critical part of our plan to protect Canadians from gun violence,” reads a release from the federal government.
“We have already banned over 1,500 types of assault-style firearms and have strengthened our gun control laws to expand background checks,” the statement continues, adding that Bill C-21 is proposing new extensive measures to combat gun violence.
New measures include revoking the firearms licenses of people who have previously been involved in acts of domestic violence or criminal harassment, continuing to combat the trafficking of firearms, and providing police with additional tools to investigate gun-related crimes.
“Canadians have the right to feel safe in their homes, in their schools, and in their places of worship. With handgun violence increasing across Canada, it is our duty to take urgent action to remove these deadly weapons from our communities,” said Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, continuing on to say that the government is focused on keeping more guns out of communities, and keeping children safe.
Canadian Gun Violence Statistics
According to Statistics Canada, gun-related violent crime typically represents less than 3% of police-reported violent crime in Canada.
“Nevertheless, it has a significant emotional and physical impact on victims, families and communities. Additionally, rates of firearm-related violence have seen a general increase over the past several years,” the official statistics website states.
Handguns were used in 59% of violent crimes involving firearms between 2009 and 2020, according to the federal government. They also report that there has been a 70% increase in handguns in Canada since 2010.
Additionally, in Canada, about a third of women and girls killed by an abuser are murdered with a gun.
Canadians React to Handgun Ban
As always, people have taken to the internet to share their thoughts on the newly implemented freeze. Many feel as though it won’t solve the issue of gun violence in Canada.
“Congrats, you’ve implemented gun safety laws that will do nothing for gun safety,” posted one person.
“Sad to say but will be closely watching the continued increase in gun violence across the country as your useless handgun ban on legal handgun owners takes effect! The blood is on your hands!” shared another.
“Meanwhile in Canada. Some of the world’s toughest laws and regulations to own or transport a handgun. No carry. From a safe to a range only in a lockbox. This is how we deal with illegal guns here by punishing legal owners who followed the law,” said one woman in response to public safety minister Marco Mendicino’s tweet about the ban.
While others feel that the federal government is taking a step in the right direction.
“NOBODY needs a handgun. They are only for killing humans. They are useless for game hunting – even if you have a 500 Linebaugh (AKA Hand-Cannon), it will only slow down a grizzly or a moose,” posted one man, adding that he supports the ban.
“I have far less problems with long guns which are needed on farms & in rural areas. Handguns are for shooting people & this ban is a good one,” said another.
“Enacting the gun ban now before gun culture digs in like it did in the USA is a good idea,” shared someone else.
Let us know in the comments, how do you feel about the new handgun freeze?
