NCJ Number
155719
Journal
Canadian Journal of Criminology Volume: 37 Issue: 2 Dated: (April 1995) Pages: 163-172
Date Published
1995
Length
10 pages
Annotation
Proposed firearms legislation in Canada includes criminal sanctions for the use of firearms in crime, controls over firearms in private ownership, and efforts to reduce firearms smuggling and trafficking.
Abstract
Tough new penalties are proposed whenever firearms are used in 10 specified serious crimes. A mandatory minimum prison term of 4 years is proposed, together with a lifetime prohibition against the possession of restricted and prohibited firearms, along with a minimum 10-year prohibition on all other firearms. The proposed legislation bans a significant number of handguns and a wide variety of military-type weapons. Further, it establishes a universal registration system for all firearms. Such registration will assist the police when they respond to domestic disturbances, will remind owners to comply with safe- storage requirements, will help address gun smuggling, and will enhance or replace the current registration system. Stiffer penalties are proposed for gun smuggling. This legislation represents a fundamental shift in thinking about guns and the role they play in Canadian society. It reflects a commitment to making Canada a safer place, so that citizens will not believe that they must own a firearm to protect themselves from the multitudes of others who own firearms. Under Bill C-68, Canadian citizens can continue to hunt for recreation and sustenance, can continue to target shoot, and can continue to collect firearms. The bill helps to ensure there will be fewer gun accidents, fewer gun thefts, fewer domestic tragedies, and fewer smuggled weapons.