Editor,

Just in time for the holidays, the government announced new gun bans, adding yet another layer to Canada's already extensive firearm restrictions.

Framing certain firearms as "weapons of war" to stoke fear and justify new restrictions is a complete fallacy and simply window-dressing for their agenda of a complete removal of firearms from safe, lawful firearm owners. These latest bans include rifles in the popular .22 calibre—which have become a primary target—and youth rifles, which are not military-grade weapons.

They have never been used in combat and are far removed from the dangerous weaponry implied by such rhetoric.

This mischaracterization does little to enhance public safety and only fuels unnecessary anxiety, as these bans are based more on emotion than facts. I will point out that the thumbnail used while we were waiting for this announcement drives that point home—using a firearm that had a grenade launcher and a suppressor equipped, both of which are prohibited in Canada and likely smuggled across the border.

Over the past eight years, we’ve witnessed a flurry of legislation aimed at curbing gun violence, including Bill C-71, the May 2020 long gun ban, the handgun ban, and Bill C-21. Despite these efforts, firearm-related violence has more than doubled. Instead of reducing harm, these measures are punishing law-abiding citizens without addressing the root causes of gun violence.

Police chiefs across the country have been clear: additional bans will not reduce crime, and the evidence shows this. The real issue lies with illegal firearm smuggling and weak borders, not the lawful ownership of firearms by responsible Canadians. The government should be directing its resources towards the criminals who acquire firearms through illegal means and those who use them.

These bans disproportionately affect licensed gun owners—individuals who go through extensive background checks, training, and regulations to own and operate firearms responsibly. Hunters, sport shooters, fish and game clubs, and countless small businesses all find themselves under siege in this environment, facing further restrictions and potential financial hardship. 

In 2020, we watched the collapse of many small businesses that were left with shelves full of unsaleable firearms at the stroke of a pen. The consequences are not just abstract policy changes—they affect real people who rely on firearms for their livelihoods, hobbies, and traditions.

The costs to the taxpayer will be astronomical. The government’s 1995 firearms registry cost over $2 billion, far exceeding initial estimates, while the latest bans (not including yesterday's!) are expected to be over $6 billion. In an already struggling economy, while record numbers of families reach out to food banks, where is this extra money to come from?

In rural Canada, hunting and trapping are not just pastimes—they are integral to culture and the economy. Sport shooting is growing in popularity, and sees hundreds, if not thousands, of participants heading around the world to compete, with many returning to Canada, surging local economies. Many of these safely used firearms were just banned, added to a list based on fearmongering. 

Targeting these groups under the guise of public safety is unjust.

The growing focus on banning firearms rather than addressing the root causes of crime sends the wrong message. Criminal activity thrives in the shadows of weak borders and unaddressed smuggling rings. 

For every legally registered firearm that is set to be confiscated, there are countless illegal firearms circulating among criminals—often smuggled into the country. The government should be more focused on shutting down illegal arms trafficking networks, strengthening border control, and increasing enforcement against those who commit crimes with firearms, rather than penalizing those who follow the law.

The need for action is clear, but it should not come at the expense of law-abiding citizens. More gun bans are on the horizon, and it is time for Canadians to take a stand.

Engage with your members of Parliament. Demand that they focus on criminals who pose a real threat to safety, not those who use firearms responsibly.

Canada deserves safety, and we should not let fear-driven rhetoric replace rational policy. Instead of doubling down on failed measures, we should be focusing on effective solutions that address the true causes of crime while protecting the rights of lawful citizens.

Jerry Pol, K&K Firearm Training Centre Inc., Cloverdale