Canada Introduces Legislation for National Freeze on Handgun Ownership, Trudeau, “We’re Capping the Market for Handguns” (WATCH)

Gun control legislation tabled by the Canadian federal government includes a national freeze on the purchase, sale, importation and transfer of handguns in Canada.

It’s the Canadian government’s most ambitious attempt yet to restrict access to firearms in the country.

While the proposed bill stops short of a full handgun ban, it would limit the number of handguns in Canada.

“In other words, we’re capping the market for handguns,” said Prime Minister Justin Trudeau during a Monday press conference.

WATCH:

NOW – PM Trudeau: "It will no longer be possible to buy, sell, transfer, or import handguns anywhere in Canada."pic.twitter.com/rVd5gWgEtq

— Disclose.tv (@disclosetv) May 30, 2022

“We’re introducing legislation to implement a national freeze on handgun ownership,” Trudeau said.

“It will no longer be possible to buy, sell, transfer, or import handguns anywhere in Canada,” he added.

CBC reported:

Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino presented the bill in the House of Commons Monday.

“The bill we just tabled represents a milestone amidst a long and difficult battle which takes place on our streets every single day,” Mendicino said at the news conference. “It’s a battle which has claimed too many lives, leaving empty chairs at the dinner table, and empty desks in our classrooms.”

The legislation revives some federal measures that didn’t pass before last year’s general election and implements some new proposals made during the campaign.

They include taking away firearms licences from those involved in domestic violence or criminal harassment, increasing criminal penalties for smuggling and trafficking of firearms, and a “red flag” law which would require people deemed a threat to themselves or others to turn in their firearms to law enforcement.

The government previously proposed working with provinces and territories to put restrictions on handguns. Trudeau said his government abandoned that idea after consultations.

“In our discussions with law enforcement, advocates and experts, it became apparent that we needed a different solution,” he said.

“So we decided to take a new route, something that would tackle this issue at a national level.”

The legislation, if passed, would also require magazines for long guns to be changed so they can’t carry any more than five rounds. Sales of larger magazines would be banned.

“We recognize that the vast majority of gun owners use them safely, and in accordance with the law,” Trudeau said.

“But other than using firearms for sport shooting and for hunting, there is no reason anyone in Canada should need guns in their everyday lives.”

History would beg to differ!

If anyone needed yet another reminder today of why they should be proud to be an American, here it is. https://t.co/klc15bfMsl

— Vernon Jones (@VernonForGA) May 30, 2022

https://twitter.com/M_T_L514/status/1531394673415184386

Don't worry everyone. Their personal security gets to keep their weapons 🤡 https://t.co/OLLZn5N7uA

— DrKathrynPhD- typer of typos (@KathMLee1) May 30, 2022