Two Canadian firearms groups are warning that up to 2 million commonly-used hunting shotguns are now illegal.
The Canadian Sporting Arms and Ammunition Association (CSAAA) and the Canadian Shooting Sports Association (CSSA) said their legal experts have concluded Public Safety Minister Bill Blair “banned almost every modern 12-gauge and 10-gauge shotgun in Canada with removable chokes because they exceed the maximum bore diameter of 20 mm.”
“Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Minister Bill Blair looked Canadian gun owners in the eye last Friday and said they would not take guns suitable for hunting away from us,” the groups said in a statement.
“Minister Blair is either too inept to comprehend the scope of his regulations…or he lied to the Government and Canadians.”
The groups estimated there are between 1.5 – 2 million of these common hunting firearms in Canada.
“As well, many large bore hunting rifles – some more than 100 years old and valued at more than $100,000 have become prohibited. None of these firearms are semi-automatic or “military style.”
“They encompass common bolt-action rifles such as the .460 Weatherby, break-open single and double rifles. These firearms are captured because the powerful cartridges they shoot – designed to humanely dispatch the largest game animals. PURE hunting rifles,” said the group’s statement.
The CSAAA, is advising retailers to stop sales of large hunting calibre, non semi-automatic rifles such as the Weatherby Mark V .460 as these rifles exceed the 10,000 Joules energy restriction.
Alison de Groot, Managing Director of the CSAAA.
By Dave Naylor
“Despite open hunting seasons across much of Canada, lawful firearms owners should refrain from using 12-gauge or larger shotguns with removable chokes or large calibre rifles capable or exceeding the government’s energy ceiling,” the groups said.
The ban comes into effect immediately and was ordered by the cabinet without any bill or debate in Parliament.
“We see so many security and public safety issues with this legislation, it’s incredibly dangerous and completely unfair. (It) is a knee-jerk emotional reaction enacted in an amateur way and demonstrates gross negligence and incompetence,” said Alison de Groot, Managing Director of the CSAAA.
In response to the federal order, Alberta Premier Jason Kenney said the province will look at appointing its own firearms officer.
Dave Naylor is the News Editor of the Western Standard
Dave Naylor is News Editor & Calgary Bureau Chief of the Western Standard based in the Calgary Headquarters. He served as City Editor of the Calgary Sun & covered Alberta news for nearly 40 years.
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