Larry Miller, MP, was present in the House of Commons on Monday for the introduction of the Ending the Long-Gun Registry Act by the Honourable Vic Toews, Minister of Public Safety.
The legislation introduced will:
Repeal the requirement to register non-restricted firearms (long-guns);
Provide for the destruction of all records pertaining to the registration of long-guns currently contained in the Canadian Firearms Registry and under the control of the chief firearms officers; and
Maintain controls over restricted and prohibited firearms.
“Our government has been committed since 2006 to abolishing this ineffective and wasteful registry,” says Miller. “The tabling of this bill brings us one step closer to delivering effective gun control measures that help keep firearms out of the hands of criminals.”
Under the proposed reforms, firearms owners will still require a valid firearm licence to purchase or possess firearms and to purchase ammunition. They will also be required to undergo police background checks, pass a firearms safety training course and comply with firearms safe storage and transportation requirements. In addition, individuals will continue to be required to register prohibited and restricted firearms, such as handguns.
The introduction of this legislation is consistent with the Government’s efforts to ensure our firearms laws target real criminals and protect the safety of the public.
“This bill targets criminals and not law-abiding hunters, farmers and sport shooters,” says Miller. “This is welcomed news to many of my constituents.”
