(OTTAWA) The Liberals say their proposed definition of a prohibited assault type firearm only applies to firearms that belong on the battlefield.
However, Tory MPs continue to insist that the federal decision would ban many shotguns and rifles.
The Liberal government wants to include a permanent definition of a prohibited assault weapon in gun control legislation being considered by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Public Safety.
The measure, introduced Tuesday during clause-by-clause consideration of the bill, would build on a federal regulatory ban on many types of firearms in May 2020.
Among other technical specifications, the definition includes a semi-automatic rifle or shotgun designed to accept a detachable magazine that can hold more than five rounds.
At a committee meeting on Thursday, Conservative MP Raquel Dancho said the definition amounts to the largest shotgun ban in Canadian history.