NCJ Number
122105
Journal
Justice Report Volume: 6 Issue: 4 Dated: (Fall 1989) Pages: 10-13
Date Published
1989
Length
4 pages
Annotation
Existing gun laws in Canada are not sufficient to prevent the proliferation of firearms deaths currently plaguing the United States.
Abstract
Canada can still act to ban firearms from purchase and use. Mayors of Canadian rural and urban municipalities can aid in this process by declaring their communities gun-free zones through bylaws which prohibit firearms within their jurisdictions. A complete ban on recreational hunting and the sale of guns will significantly reduce accidental shootings in the home, domestic homicides, multiple victimizations, and suicides. The only exemption to a ban would be for native people who continue to hunt for food necessary for their survival. At the very least, the age for applying for a firearm should be increased from 16 to 21, and the waiting period between applying for a firearm and being issued a Firearms Acquisition Certificate (FAC) should be extended to 6 months from the existing 3-6 weeks. All applicants should be required to specify the reason for applying for a firearm and also pass a written and practical test involving firearms. Before being issued a FAC, all applicants should be required to provide police with a written declaration that every weapon purchased can be securely and safely stored. All persons convicted of illegal firearm use under the Criminal Code and the Fish and Game Act should be prohibited from owning a firearm for not less than 10 years.