AZ GrayBeard
11-08-2005, 07:42 AM
Liberals in Canada are pushing for more gun control. The reason: increased gun violence in Toronto after the previous gun control measure was put in effect. In my opinion, they will never learn. It turns out that “when guns are outlawed, only outlaws will have guns” just has to be tested to a higher level up there. I don’t need to write further – you know the rest. Molon Labe!
The proposed changes
The Ontario government is expected to push for an increase in mandatory minimum sentences for firearm-related offences at a meeting of federal and provincial justice ministers this week, according to a published report.
The Toronto Star reports that the province plans to use the three-day meeting in Whitehorse as a launching pad for legislative changes.
"Ontario believes that the sentencing provisions in the Criminal Code need to send the appropriate message when it comes to illegal firearms. This message should be one of 'zero tolerance' for illegal activity related to the possession and use of firearms," says the 15-page confidential submission by Attorney General Michael Bryant, obtained by the newspaper.
"Ontario, therefore urges the federal government, in consultation with the provinces and territories, to undertake an immediate high priority review of the current firearms provisions in the Criminal Code as set out in this paper."
According to the Star, Bryant is seeking mandatory minimum sentences for offences where they do not currently exist, "such as for the crime of unauthorized possession of a firearm in a motor vehicle, in order to specifically combat drive-by shootings and `road rage.'"
As well, Bryant will be lobbying for an increase in mandatory sentences for other firearms crimes, including trafficking and importing weapons.
"The current one-year mandatory minimum penalty is woefully inadequate as a reflection of the seriousness of these offences, as well as being an effective deterrent to the kind of person who is committing these offences," says Ontario's submission.
Among other requests detailed in the document entitled "Illegal Use of Firearms":
• Review of the Youth Criminal Justice Act as, to ensure "the most effective approach can be taken regarding young persons who commit serious crimes involving firearm."
• Regulation that would require ballistics identification for all guns manufactured or sold in Canada.
• Creation of new offences subject to mandatory minimum sentences, including those related to break-and-enter to steal a firearm, robbery where a gun has been stolen, possession of a weapon and carrying a concealed gun.
On Friday, Bryant participated in Toronto Police Chief Bill Blair's news conference announcing November as a gun amnesty month. A gun amnesty will allow anyone to turn over an illegal weapon without having to face charges.
The program, which will run until the end of the month, comes amid increasing gun violence on Toronto's streets.
"Ten years later, especially in light of events over the last couple of years and the very recent experience that has occurred in the Greater Toronto Area over the summer of 2005, there is a need to revisit the regime of punishments and offences contained in the Criminal Code to deal with illegal possession and use of firearms," Bryant's brief says.
"The law must reflect the abhorrence experienced by members of the public in reaction to the tragedies inflicted by gun crimes. Ontario believes that an urgent and immediate review of the current firearms laws in the Criminal Code is necessary."
The proposed changes
The Ontario government is expected to push for an increase in mandatory minimum sentences for firearm-related offences at a meeting of federal and provincial justice ministers this week, according to a published report.
The Toronto Star reports that the province plans to use the three-day meeting in Whitehorse as a launching pad for legislative changes.
"Ontario believes that the sentencing provisions in the Criminal Code need to send the appropriate message when it comes to illegal firearms. This message should be one of 'zero tolerance' for illegal activity related to the possession and use of firearms," says the 15-page confidential submission by Attorney General Michael Bryant, obtained by the newspaper.
"Ontario, therefore urges the federal government, in consultation with the provinces and territories, to undertake an immediate high priority review of the current firearms provisions in the Criminal Code as set out in this paper."
According to the Star, Bryant is seeking mandatory minimum sentences for offences where they do not currently exist, "such as for the crime of unauthorized possession of a firearm in a motor vehicle, in order to specifically combat drive-by shootings and `road rage.'"
As well, Bryant will be lobbying for an increase in mandatory sentences for other firearms crimes, including trafficking and importing weapons.
"The current one-year mandatory minimum penalty is woefully inadequate as a reflection of the seriousness of these offences, as well as being an effective deterrent to the kind of person who is committing these offences," says Ontario's submission.
Among other requests detailed in the document entitled "Illegal Use of Firearms":
• Review of the Youth Criminal Justice Act as, to ensure "the most effective approach can be taken regarding young persons who commit serious crimes involving firearm."
• Regulation that would require ballistics identification for all guns manufactured or sold in Canada.
• Creation of new offences subject to mandatory minimum sentences, including those related to break-and-enter to steal a firearm, robbery where a gun has been stolen, possession of a weapon and carrying a concealed gun.
On Friday, Bryant participated in Toronto Police Chief Bill Blair's news conference announcing November as a gun amnesty month. A gun amnesty will allow anyone to turn over an illegal weapon without having to face charges.
The program, which will run until the end of the month, comes amid increasing gun violence on Toronto's streets.
"Ten years later, especially in light of events over the last couple of years and the very recent experience that has occurred in the Greater Toronto Area over the summer of 2005, there is a need to revisit the regime of punishments and offences contained in the Criminal Code to deal with illegal possession and use of firearms," Bryant's brief says.
"The law must reflect the abhorrence experienced by members of the public in reaction to the tragedies inflicted by gun crimes. Ontario believes that an urgent and immediate review of the current firearms laws in the Criminal Code is necessary."