The facts about gun ownership in Canada are often skewed and unknown to most of the general public. Most firearms-related assaults are not committed by law-abiding firearms owners — the perpetrators of these crimes are not licensed, nor have they purchased the firearms legally.
There are more than 2.2 million licensed firearm owners and an estimated 21 million firearms in Canada. In contrast, there are only about 150 firearm-related homicides per year. According to Gary Mauser of Simon Fraser University, only 128 of 2,835 firearm-related homicides between 1997 and 2012 were committed using legally owned firearms. Imposing further laws on responsible and law-abiding licensed firearms owners would be redundant and would not effectively reduce gun-related crimes.
We should use the Canadian laws and regulations for gun ownership and gun use that are already in place. Go to a gun range and talk to firearms owners to hear their perspective. All of the owners I have met love to show people how their firearms work, how to shoot safely and share their passion for the sport. With this information, people can then make a knowledgeable opinion about the need for further rules and regulations on firearms in Canada.
Kevin Braun
Victoria
