More pressure is being applied to the federal government to either change or scrap proposed gun reform legislation.
Critics of Bill C-21 allege the handgun ban has turned into a grab for shotguns and rifles, legitimately used for hunting, trapping and subsistence.
Gary Vidal, Member of Parliament for Desnethe-Missinippi-Churchill River recently tabled a petition in the House of Commons condemning the legislation, explaining northerners feel their way of life could be impacted if the Liberals move ahead with the amendments.
“They’re very frustrated by what has happened in the scope of the amendment that the Liberals tried to sneak in here at the end of November. It is going to have a huge impact on many people, it’s a huge impact on a way of life, that they’re going to actually go after a bunch of very legitimate hunting rifles and shotguns,” Vidal said.
The Assembly of First Nation passed an emergency resolution this week at their annual winter meetings, fearing the legislation goes too far and could breach Treaty Rights for hunting and gathering.
“The legislation is an infringement on our Treaty Right to hunt. I also wanted to make mention, when we’re talking about the freeze on the handguns, our trappers use handguns out there on the land, they use that for protection,” Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations Vice-Chief Heather Bear said, acting as a proxy for Lac La Ronge Indian Band Chief Tammy Cook-Searson.
Bear was also concerned that Indigenous hunters, who do not have a Possession and Acquisition License would be prevented from purchasing ammunition. Her contention is that Indigenous hunters are not needing a PAL.
A group of MP’s studying the legislation at the committee stage have requested further meetings on the proposed amendments, stating that the changes came after much of the expert testimony was complete. The added meetings would also serve to clarify confusion on the amendments. Among other technical specifications concerning bore diameter and muzzle energy, the proposed definition includes a centrefire semi-automatic rifle or shotgun designed to accept a detachable magazine that can hold more than five cartridges. MPs are poring over the latest list of firearms that would fall under the definition, which runs into the hundreds of pages.
“There was zero consultation done on this, it was kind of snuck in the back door. And people are extremely frustrated. These decisions are being made in kind-of downtown Toronto by large lawyers that have no idea the consequences that they are putting on people that live kind of northern and remote, rural ways of life,” Vidal explained.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has committed to ensuring that legitimate firearms are not part of his government’s proposed handgun reforms.
With files from the Canadian Press.