(Ottawa) Supporters of tighter gun restrictions are urging senators not to extend the exemption given to Olympic athletes from the federal handgun freeze to more sports shooters.
When introducing gun control legislation last year, the federal Liberals announced a plan to freeze the importation, purchase, sale or other transfer of handguns in order to help reduce gun violence.
Federal regulations aimed at limiting the number of handguns in Canada are now in effect.
Businesses can still sell to exempt individuals, including elite sports shooters who compete or coach in handgun events recognized by international Olympic or Paralympic committees.
Gun control advocates, including the group PolySeSouvient, say in a letter to members of the Senate committee studying the bill that expanding the exemption would put the interests of recreational sport shooters who want to purchase new handguns on public safety.
A representative of the National Association of Women and Law also wrote to members of the committee to express her opposition to such an amendment.
The committee examines the bill clause by clause after hearing from several witnesses.
Certain sporting disciplines under threat
During his appearance, Jim Smith of the International Practical Shooting Confederation asked senators to expand the exemption to include participants in their competitions.
Unlike more traditional competitions, confederation events may involve shooting on the move at stationary and moving targets, as well as trying to be quick between shots when reloading or removing the holster.
Mr. Smith said that while the bill does not completely ban handgun ownership, the result for confederation in Canada is that, as a sport, “we will see a slow disappearance as As our athletes age, no new athletes will be introduced and current competitors’ equipment will wear out beyond their ability to replace it.
“Since the ban was introduced by decree, we have already seen a slow decline in participation, as potential new members have been unable to purchase handguns,” he pointed out.
Not prioritizing sport over safety
PolySeSouvient’s letter to senators is signed by others calling for stricter laws, including Boufeldja Benabdallah, spokesperson for the Islamic Cultural Center of Quebec, and Meaghan Hennegan, families linked to Dawson for gun control .
Amending the bill to further expand the exemption for Olympic athletes “risks completely overturning the freeze on new handgun acquisitions,” since Canadian law already essentially limits handgun purchases to shooters on target, the letter indicates.
“This would amount to banning new cars, except for drivers,” we can read.
“Expanding the exemption would prioritize the interests of recreational sports shooters who want to purchase new handguns over the lives of future victims [très probables] of gun violence,” the letter states.
It would also dismiss evidence that gender-based violence and domestic violence are fueled not only by access to long guns, but also handguns, it says.
“Furthermore, it would undo the long and arduous democratic process that led to the freeze on new handguns in the bill, which required years of advocacy from victims groups, unwavering public support and passage. by the elected members of the House of Commons,” continue the signatories.