Opinion
Time has come for Liberals to get a spine on guns in Canada
By Sheila Copps August 12, 2019
But with the continual barrage of mass shootings in the United States, the issue is not likely to go away anytime soon. Almost weekly incidents of gun violence in Toronto pretty much guarantee that Liberals will not be able to dodge the question in the upcoming election.
Minister of Border Security and Organized Crime Reduction Bill Blair's handling of the gun file has left many supporters scratching their heads, writes Sheila Copps. A member of the public consultation process on guns resigned because she could not support the government’s weak-kneed response to a 2015 election promise of gun reform. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
OTTAWA—Guns are now a mental problem. So says American president Donald Trump, who continues to claim there is “no political appetite” for legislation governing the guns themselves even though he is finally admitting that it might be wise to improve background checks on those who want to purchase them.
Related Stories
-
Sponsored Content
An Open Letter to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau from Diabetes Canada
Explore, analyze, understand
Inside 2020 Books – Inside Ottawa and Inside Canada
Get both Inside Canada pocket books for a special price.
Get the book
Get both Inside Canada pocket books for a special price.
Get the book
Inside Ottawa Directory – 2020 Edition – SOLD OUT
The handy reference guide includes: riding profiles, MPs by province, MP contact details, both Hill and constituency and more.
Get the book
The handy reference guide includes: riding profiles, MPs by province, MP contact details, both Hill and constituency and more.
Get the book
Guide to Using Social and Digital Tools in Election Campaigns: Digital and Social Tools that Politicos are Using to get Elected, Raise Funds, and Recruit Volunteers
Guide to Using Social and Digital Tools in Election Campaigns
Get the book
Guide to Using Social and Digital Tools in Election Campaigns
Get the book
Related Policy Briefings
Cannabis with Edibles
Short and informative analyses on policy challenges that bring background and recommendations to policymakers, journalists and the general public.
Read policy briefing
Short and informative analyses on policy challenges that bring background and recommendations to policymakers, journalists and the general public.
Read policy briefing
Politics This Morning
Your email has been added. An email has been sent to your address, please click the link inside of it to confirm your subscription.
MPs scrutinize parole board following report on murder of Quebec woman
The parole strategy for convicted killer was ‘completely unacceptable,’ says CSC commissioner Anne Kelly after a report found the authorities missed warning signs before a woman’s death last year.Freelance translators raise concerns over proposed terms of new contract
Some of the proposed changes include a requirement that freelancers be available for 15.5 hours a day, the elimination of pay for some duties currently covered, and longer exposure to distance interpreting.Payette’s resignation yet another self-inflicted wound for Trudeau Liberals, say former senior Grits
Justin Trudeau should take his time and follow a proper screening process in choosing Julie Payette’s successor, says Prof. Donald Savoie. Sloan’s ouster should have come earlier, say Conservative observers
'Since his election, Mr. Sloan has conducted a master class of bigotry and bullying,' says Conservative strategist Geoff Norquay, who served as a top aide to former prime minister Stephen Harper.House agrees to extend hybrid sittings, takes step closer to adopting remote voting app
It's up to each leader of the four recognized parties to inform the House Speaker they're 'satisfied' that all issues have been addressed and to give the green light for adopting the app.Beyak retires from Senate, ‘stands by’ defence of residential schools
Her decision to retire takes place just ahead of the Senate’s return on Feb. 2 and on the first day of the House of Commons’ return from its holiday recess. Employment numbers ‘devastating,’ indicate ‘very profound’ economic crisis brewing, says NDP MP Julian
Employment numbers in Canada have dropped for the first time since April 2020, when record government spending began propping up the job market. Observers say they're not surprised by the decrease.Finance, trade, and climate bills should top Liberal priorities as House returns: MPs, stakeholders
The Liberals can start with low-hanging fruit in bills C-14 and C-18.Carr’s cabinet post praised by Prairie stakeholders, but experts and MP wary of road ahead
Jim Carr is one of four Liberal MPs elected in the three Prairie provinces, and is now representing the region at the cabinet table. Trending Stories
