Liberal Gun Ban Off Target

Liberal Gun Ban Off Target

The handgun ban announced earlier today by Prime Minister Paul Martin is aimed at the wrong target, and attempts to once again stop crime on the backs of legal, law-abiding firearms owners according to the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (O.F.A.H.).

“The ban announced by the Prime Minister applies to legal firearms owners, and ignores the fact that criminals who use handguns to commit crimes don’t register their guns, and aren’t affected by a ban. Impacted by this announcement are target shooters, licensed trappers, prospectors, bush pilots, collectors and others who already register their firearms and own them legally,” said Mike Reader, O.F.A.H. Executive Director.

For years, the O.F.A.H. has openly supported and encouraged the increase of penalties against anyone who uses firearms to commit crimes, stiff mandatory sentences, no plea bargains or bail for anyone accused of gun crime, and increased funding for police and border security. “However, the ban reconfirms longstanding concerns by legal firearms owners that the government is intent on confiscating all guns, and many will see this ban as the first step down that road. Despite the fact that the Commissioner of Firearms has suggested that fears of confiscation are unfounded, clearly they are not,” noted Reader.

Mr. Reader also pointed out that some police spokespersons have hailed the proposed ban as unworkable, including Al Koenig, President of the 1,500 member Calgary Police Association, who said: “Banning handguns doesn’t work