Madawaska Valley, Ontario… Cheryl Gallant MP, Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke, is pleased to join the Honourable Vic Toews, Minister of Public Safety, in confirming the Government of Canada’s intention to re-extend the current amnesty that helps firearms owners comply with the law.
“Our Conservative Government is committed to firearms legislation that makes sense. We plan to extend the current amnesty, as we have no intention of harassing law-abiding Canadians,” said Cheryl Gallant, MP. “The problem of drug-related gang violence in Toronto was not caused by rural duck hunters and farmers. Penalizing rural people for big city problems only causes ridicule and animosity.”
“I am encouraged by the fact that eighteen members of the Opposition in Ottawa broke party ranks recently to support a private member’s Bill C-391 proposed by a Conservative MP to abolish the long-gun registry. That Bill still needs to be voted on a final time and then pass the Senate to become law. I look forward to the final vote to see if the “noble eighteen” vote their constituents wishes or are forced to follow the Toronto line,” stated Gallant, MP.
The following measures will be proposed to encourage compliance and reduce the administrative burden on lawful firearms owners:
- Extending by one year an amnesty which allows individuals in possession of unregistered non-restricted firearms to obtain a licence or a registration certificate for their firearm;
- Extending by one year the current fee waiver for firearms licence renewals or upgrades; and
- Allowing eligible holders of expired Possession-Only Licences to apply for a new one within a year.
“Thank- you to all those constituents who have taken the time to share their views with me on this issue. Your support has been critical to all we have accomplished so far. Every little bit helps.”
“This Government is committed to effective gun control. Our Tackling Violent Crime Act increases mandatory jail sentences for serious and repeat firearm offenders and provides tougher bail rules for serious weapon-related offences. In addition, we continue to invest $7 million annually to strengthen the licensing process by enhancing front-end screening of first-time firearms licence applicants,” concluded MP Cheryl Gallant.
