In the aftermath of the Connecticut shooting where so many children were lost, I can’t help but think of the destruction of the gun registry here in Canada this past spring.

There was much talk during that discussion about the rights of farmers, ranchers and hunters. In fact, that argument is quite irrelevant. Among the firearms now unregistered are assault rifles of the sort used during the Norway massacre and this most recent tragedy.

Across the country, RCMP stated repeatedly that the registry made their job safer. It allowed them the knowledge of what they might be up against in a violent situation. These assault rifles are designed to kill many people as fast as possible. They have been used disproportionately against rural women in domestic incidents.

It’s easy for us in Canada to feel smug. Unfortunately, we have tossed out a tool that kept us safer, and except in Quebec where they refused to comply, the records were destroyed. One day in the not too distant future, I hope we will rethink this insanity and reinstate a registry of these horrific weapons.

Dorothy Field

Victoria

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