The head of a local sportsmen’s alliance feels incoming federal gun legislation will just add more red tape for the region’s hunters.
John Kaplanis is with the Northwestern Ontario Sportsmen’s Alliance and tells us it’s punishing law-abiding gun owners and not those who commit crimes.
“Do these new laws address gang violence and drug-related firearm crime in city centres like Toronto? No, they do not.”
He feels the legislation, which has yet to be passed, won’t prevent violent crime.
“Our sympathies certainly go out to the victims and families of firearms crimes,” he emphasizes. “However, we want to be cognizant of moving forth with legislation and measures to address crime. Clearly, these aren’t the measures that need to be in place, by putting more restrictions on hunters and trappers.”
Bill C-71 has yet to receive second reading and the Sportsmen’s Alliance hopes it gets delayed.
It includes measures to broaden background checks for gun owners, and revamps the way guns are classified in Canada.
