OTTAWA – On May 1, 2020 the federal government implemented amendments to the Regulations Prescribing Certain Firearms and Other Weapons, Components and Parts of Weapons, Accessories, Cartridge Magazines, Ammunition and Projectiles as Prohibited, Restricted or Non-Restricted - a regulation intending to prescribe certain firearms as prohibited. Jenica Atwin, caucus critic for Justice and MP for Fredericton is concerned that amending these regulations without full disclosure on other proposed changes is inadequate.
“Already many Canadians are polarized on the topic of firearms and a debate without full information is divisive and can become dangerous,” said Atwin. “I would like to see the public discourse centred on fact, rather than myth or supposition.”
During Question Period on May 12, Green parliamentary leader Elizabeth May (MP, Saanich-Gulf Islands), asked the Minister of Public Safety, the Honourable Bill Blair, to table the proposed accompanying legislation to the regulatory changes for first reading in the House as soon as possible. He indicated that his government would table the legislation “at the first opportunity”.
“The Minister’s first opportunity to table the legislation would be when the House sits on Wednesdays,” said May. “From there, members and Canadians at large will have the full details of the government’s plan concerning firearms regulation and can discuss the merits of that plan accordingly.”
“As a member of Parliament, I want to be prepared to provide accurate information to the people of my community in order to answer their questions and their concerns,” said Atwin. “I also want to prepare as their representative to make informed, data-driven decisions. Having time to consult on the legislation over the summer months will enable me to make a more informed decision on this legislation when the House resumes its normal activities in the months to come.”
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For more information or to arrange an interview:
Rosie Emery
Press Secretary
613-562-4916x206
Shannon Carmont
Chief of Staff to Ms. Atwin
506-440-4980
shannon.carmont.253@parl.gc.ca