Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc confirmed the Canadian government is going to continue its efforts to keep assault-style rifles out of people’s hands. “We are taking the time to get this program right and looking forward to keeping businesses and responsible gun owners apprised of the next steps as we move forward in this direction,” said LeBlanc at a Monday Senate committee meeting covered by The Canadian Press. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said in 2020 Canada would restrict 1,500 makes and models of assault-style rifles. Licenced gun owners would be barred from selling, transporting, importing or using semi-automatic guns. There was a two-year amnesty period imposed at the time to ensure people followed the ban. People were encouraged to turn in their guns. The Canadian government lengthened the grace period for its semi-automatic gun ban from October 30 this year to October 30, 2025 on October 11. READ MORE: Canadian government extends gun grab amnesty period until 2025“The extension of the Order will ensure affected firearm owners and businesses continue to be protected from criminal liability for unlawful possession while they come into compliance with the law, including having the opportunity to take part in the buyback program,” said Public Safety Canada (PSC). PSC acknowledged Canadians should feel safe in their communities. That is why the Canadian government has been addressing gun violence with a plan that includes expanding firearms legislation and regulations, spending money on law enforcement and border operations and providing funding for communities to tackle the root causes of violence.LeBlanc said the Canadian government will enact regulations to complement gun control legislation being studied by senators. This bill would include a ban on assault-style firearms that would apply once it comes into force. He added planned regulatory changes would ensure a mandatory physical inspection by the RCMP of all new firearm models before they enter the Canadian market. However, people would be able to buy as many guns for sale in Canada. He reaffirmed plans to reestablish the Canadian Firearms Advisory Committee to review the classification of existing models that fall under the prospective new definition of a prohibited firearm in the bill. This exercise would identify guns used for hunting, which would be excluded from the ban. While it has been known for some time, he said the Canadian government will be following through on its confiscation program of semi-automatic guns. It will enact regulations to ensure a comprehensive ban on large-capacity magazines. The bill would cement restrictions on handguns, increase penalties for firearms trafficking and try to curb homemade ghost guns. The Conservatives opposed the bill, saying it penalizes law-abiding firearms owners instead of targeting criminal gun violence. Objections from the Conservatives and some gun owners about the scope of the ban sparked an uproar that sidelined the bill for months in the House of Commons. The House of Commons passed the bill earlier this year with the support of Liberal, NDP, Bloc Quebecois and Green MPs. “This bill isn't dealing with illegal guns in the hands of criminals,” said Conservative Senate leader Don Plett. “This bill is dealing with legal guns in the hands of hunters and sport shooters,” LeBlanc responded by saying he disagrees with the claim “that we're taking guns away from lawful hunters and sports persons.”He said this phrase is repeated over and over again. It does not make it true. “The focus has to be on the illegal use of firearms to commit criminal offences — that should unite us all,” he said. “On that, I think you and I would agree quite easily.”
