Photo credit: The Canadian Press

By Mario Cabradilla

Firearms

Alberta Chief Firearms Officer calls proposed federal firearms bill an intrusion

May 31, 2022 | 5:06 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The Alberta Chief Firearms Officer responded to the federal government’s proposed changes to firearms legislation during a news conference on May 30, 2022.

The federal Liberal government tabled new gun control legislation on May 30 that includes a national freeze on importing, buying, or selling handguns. The government also proposed the removal of gun licenses from people involved with domestic violence or criminal harassment, such as stalking.

Additionally, the government proposed providing more tools to investigate firearms crimes and strengthen border measures, as well as increasing criminal penalties to fight gun smuggling and trafficking.

The Alberta Chief Firearms Officer Teri Bryant says the national freeze on importing, buying, selling or transferring handguns will affect approximately one million legally registered handgun owners in Canada.

“This is going to be an enormous intrusion into their lives,” said Bryant. “People are really only allowed to own these things, for the most part, for sporting purposes, and for many people, this is a major part of their life.”

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In addition, Bryant says the handguns are rendered valueless if they can no longer be bought and sold. “I know people who have hundreds of thousands of dollars invested,” she said.

Bryant also shared her concerns with regard to the proposition of requiring long-gun magazines to be permanently altered so they cannot hold more than five rounds. She said this will expose owners to needless concerns, adding that there are also major safety impacts with regards to the modification of magazines.

Bryant said hiring more firearms officers across the country to ensure prompt and thorough vetting is a better and cheaper alternative. “I’ve talked to chief firearms officers across the country, and all of them have been crying for more officers,” she said.

Bryant also touched on concerns regarding smuggling and illegal firearms trafficking. She said changes in the law are unnecessary, but instead, more funding for additional staff at the borders is needed.