Canada announced on Thursday the prohibition of an additional 324 firearm varieties, labeling them as weapons more suited for the battlefield rather than for hunting or sport shooting. This decision follows the banning of 1,500 firearm makes and models in May 2020, a number that has since increased to over 2,000 as new variants were identified.
The latest restriction, revealed by the Public Safety Minister, means that these firearms are no longer permitted for use. The government is also collaborating with Ukraine to potentially donate these guns to support Ukraine's efforts against Russia's invasion.
The Defense Minister mentioned that Canada has engaged with Ukrainian authorities, who have shown interest in acquiring some of the firearms. The federal government is also coordinating with provinces, territories, and law enforcement agencies for a planned buyback of prohibited weapons from individual owners.
While mass shootings are infrequent in Canada, the recent measures were announced on the eve of the 35th anniversary of the tragic École Polytechnique shooting in Montreal, where 14 women were killed by a gunman before he took his own life. The Ruger Mini-14 used in that incident was among the firearms included in the 2020 ban.
A survivor of the École Polytechnique shooting expressed support for the new restrictions, emphasizing that these firearms are designed for killing and warfare. Canada has experienced fewer mass shootings compared to the U.S., partly due to stricter gun control measures. However, officials have acknowledged that illegally smuggled guns are often used by criminals within the country.
On the other hand, the Opposition Conservative leader criticized the government's announcement, labeling it as a political maneuver that unfairly targets law-abiding hunters and sport shooters. The ongoing debate surrounding gun control in Canada continues to be a topic of contention among various stakeholders.
