NCJ Number
155268
Date Published
1994
Length
47 pages
Annotation
This document describes the legislative intentions of the Canadian Government in relation to firearms control; recent criminal justice reform bans many firearms, curtails the criminal misuse of firearms, targets firearms smuggling, and improves public safety by promoting safe firearm use and ownership.
Abstract
The Canadian Government plans to introduce legislation that controls firearm import, export, and domestic transit; amends offense and sentencing provisions of the Criminal Code related to firearm misuse, including mandatory minimum sentence provisions; prohibits specific firearms; and requires registration and tracking of all firearms and their owners. Controls will be instituted on some types of handguns, military and paramilitary firearms, and certain weapons other than firearms. Criminal misuse of firearms will be addressed through several measures, including the creation of new offenses and penalties and longer minimum sentences for firearm use in the commission of serious offenses. New offenses and stiff penalties for firearm trafficking and illegal possession are also proposed, as well as expanded court powers to prohibit persons from possessing firearms. The Canadian Government is especially concerned about border control, since firearms are more readily available in the United States and can be smuggled into Canada. In addition, Canada's firearm control policy includes provisions for firearm registration and identification.