Most Canadians consider a federal freeze on handgun sales to be useless and ineffective, according to Blacklock’s Reporter. .“Several felt such a law would have little to no effect on the prevalence of firearms-related crimes, believing those intending to use handguns for illicit activities would not be deterred by any new regulations,” said in-house research from the Privy Council Office. .“Some felt a handgun freeze may actually have a counterproductive effect, possibly leading to a surge of handgun purchases among those who wished to obtain a handgun.”.The confidential report had a June date, about one month after cabinet introduced Bill C-21, which would prohibit new sales of handguns. Bill C-21 has not passed the House of Commons or Senate. .The Canadian government proposed a national freeze on handgun ownership in May..READ MORE: Liberals announce national freeze on handgun sales.“What this means is it will no longer be possible to buy, sell, transfer or import handguns anywhere in Canada,” said Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. .“In other words, we are capping the market for handguns.”.Findings were drawn from focus groups across Canada. The Privy Council commissioned the survey under a $2.4 million contract for ongoing monthly focus groups with the Strategic Counsel..“A number also expressed concern this might lead to the growth of an unregulated and illegal market for handguns and further exacerbate the prevalence of these activities going forward,” said researchers. .“Discussing whether they felt a freeze or ban was the most appropriate step forward, many were of the view that neither was the step to take at present, believing this would have either a minimal impact on gun crimes or an adverse effect.”.Cabinet banned legal imports of handguns under the Export And Import Permits Act in August. Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino said given almost all handguns are imported, it would bring the freeze into effect sooner. .Most respondents said they were skeptical about a handgun freeze. People’s principle concern was those committing gun crimes were likely to have obtained their weapons through illegal means and any regulatory changes would target legal gun owners. .Canadian government authorities said at the House of Commons Public Safety Committee on Oct. 4 they had no data proving a handgun sales ban would reduce gun crime. .“I don’t know exactly what impact it will have,” said Public Safety assistant deputy minister Talal Dakalbab.
