Table the guns ban legislation for first reading

Elizabeth May (Saanich—Gulf Islands)
2020-05-12 13:33

Changing gears, we know that the new regulations limiting what are described as military-style assault rifles and guns have been very controversial. It’s very clear to me as an opposition member why we haven’t seen legislation on any fast track. It’s obviously not the sort of legislation that would gain unanimous consent.

Wouldn’t it be wise to table for first reading the entire legislative framework so that we know what we’re talking about in the long term with regard to the buyback program and other aspects of this issue?

Hon. Bill Blair (Scarborough Southwest)
2020-05-12 13:33

I want to thank the member for the question.

I want to assure her that at the first opportunity, we will bring forward legislation dealing with a number of aspects of our commitment to strengthen gun control in Canada, including legislation to deal with a buyback program, which we’ve indicated we will put in place.

There are a number of other significant measures as well that we intend to bring forward to strengthen gun control legislation. We understand that it’s a priority.

The pandemic does not diminish our responsibility to do what is necessary to keep Canadians safe, and we will bring that legislation forward at the first opportunity.