The Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau has vowed that his Government would not fall short of increasing the penalties for gun smuggling, trafficking, and implementing a national freeze on handguns.
Trudeau who issued statement to celebrate National Day Against Gun Violence fixed for first Friday in June vowed to be taking away firearms from those perpetrating domestic violence, and giving the police and border services more tools to tackle these crime networks.
According to him, “Last year, we made the first Friday of each June the National Day Against Gun Violence. Today, on its first commemoration, we are raising awareness about gun violence prevention, remembering the lives we lost, and advancing our work to make communities safer.
“We’re taking generational action to stop gun violence. In December, we passed the toughest gun and handgun control legislation in Canada’s history.
“We’re increasing penalties for gun smuggling and trafficking, implementing a national freeze on handguns, taking away firearms from those perpetrating domestic violence, and giving police, border services more tools to tackle these crime networks”.
The PM stated that weapons made for the battlefield have no place in the communities. “That’s why, in 2020, we banned over 1,500 models of assault-style firearms and their variants. With new investments in buyback program through Budget 2024, we’re taking them off our streets.
“And through the Building Safer Communities Fund, we’re addressing the root causes of gun violence to prevent crime before it starts and supporting at-risk youth. We will do whatever it takes to make our communities safer and more prosperous”.
In December, Today, as we remember the victims and all those who have been affected by gun violence, I invite Canadians to learn more about what we’re doing to make Canada a safer place. Together, we can build a better future free from gun violence.”
Recalled in December, 2023, the Bill C-21, An Act to amend certain Acts and make certain consequential amendments (firearms), received Royal Assent, immediately bringing into force a series of measures to combat gun crime.
Some of these gun crimes includes the national handgun freeze, new “red flag” laws (known as emergency weapons prohibition orders), and increased penalties for firearms smuggling and trafficking, while since 2009, handguns have been the most used weapon in firearm-related violent crimes in Canada.
With the passing of this legislation, the national freeze on the sale, purchase, and transfer of handguns has been codified in legislation (Firearms Act), restricting the transfer and importation of handguns into Canada.
The handgun freeze came into effect by regulations made on October 21, 2022. To address risks to victims, including of gender- based and intimate partner violence where a firearm is present, new “red flag” laws are also now in force.
This will allow any individual to apply to the court for an emergency weapons prohibition order against a person who possesses firearms and poses a danger to themselves or others.
Other significant changes to address the criminal use of firearms have immediately come into force, which includes increased maximum penalties for weapons smuggling and trafficking offences from 10 to 14 years.