During his controversial public outing for firearms this weekend, Carey Price was unaware of the existence of the Polytechnique massacre, the 33rd anniversary of which will be marked on Tuesday.
• Read also: Carey Price takes a stand for a prowess organization
• Read also: Polytechnique survivor stunned by Carey Price’s ignorance
It is the organization of the Canadian who confirmed that his star goalkeeper knew nothing of this tragedy which claimed the lives of 14 women on December 6, 1989 and which marked the whole country.
The vice-president, hockey communications, of the Canadian, Chantal Machabée, explained to TVA Sports Monday that Price said he was unaware of the drama as well as the promotional initiatives carried out by the Canadian Coalition for Gun Rights (CCFR). The pro-gun organization made headlines recently after it created the promo code ‘POLY’ to promote the purchase of merchandise on its website. “Save 10% with promo code POLY,” Coalition Vice President of Public Relations Tracey Wilson wrote on Twitter on November 20.
Later Monday, the Habs issued an apology in a statement, again emphasizing that the British Columbian acted unknowingly.
“As previously mentioned, Carey was unaware of CCFR’s recent marketing campaign or the unintended timing of his statement. The Montreal Canadiens would like to send their most sincere apologies to anyone offended or upset by the rhetoric generated on this subject lately.”
An own goal
While the keeper’s statement was hailed by many hunters, the outing shocked much of the public, so Price instead finds himself scoring in his own goal with his message. Especially with his ignorance of the killing, a few hours before the ceremony to pay tribute to the victims.
Remember that the goalkeeper, who may never wear his leggings again due to an injury, attacked the Trudeau government on Instagram by denouncing Bill C-21.
“I love my family, I love my country and I care about my neighbour. I am not a criminal or a threat to society. That [le premier ministre] Justin Trudeau is trying to do is unfair. I support the Coalition to keep my hunting tools,” he wrote.
Late Monday, Price again made some comments.
“I continue to support my fellow hunters and sport shooters who have legally acquired their property and are using it safely. These are my opinions and I accept them. The only reason I brought it up is what it currently means and it’s not to be disrespectful to others, he wrote. No, I don’t agree with this promo code either.”
Filed in the spring, the C-21 project could modify the definition of assault weapons by adding several weapons used by hunters. An amendment proposed by the Liberals in November particularly shocked many firearm owners, especially so-called recreational ones and those dedicated to hunting. Its critics consider too vague the new parameters of the legislation which would impose severe constraints on the possession of models of semi-automatic weapons with a removable magazine that can hold more than five cartridges. The amendment in question is being considered by the Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security.
Carey Price’s gun will remain legal
On Monday, Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino’s office wanted to set some facts straight about the bill and Price’s publication. The weapon, caliber .12 and including a detachable magazine, would also not be covered by the potential Ottawa law.
“When it comes to the debate about how to tackle gun violence, facts matter. First, the firearm illustrated in Carey Price’s publication is not prohibited at this time and will remain legal,” the minister’s office said in a message sent to the QMI Agency.
Bill C-21 “aims to target AR-15 type firearms designed for the battlefield that have no place in our communities. These are the types of firearms that have claimed victims in Quebec, Nova Scotia and Ontario,” it added, noting that the legislation “does not target firearms commonly used for hunting. “.
The minister’s office is also asking the Coalition for Firearms to “apologize” for creating the promo code “POLY” to sell merchandise on its website. “We owe it to victims and survivors to have a responsible debate based on facts, not fear, in order to end gun violence once and for all.”