Vic Toews

Provencher MP Vic Toews has tabled a bill to eliminate the Federal Long Gun Registry.  He says it was a priority for his government to abolish the registry.  "We believe it is expensive, it's wasteful and it's ineffective so we brought forward this legislation.  Essentially what it will do is repeal the registration of long guns like shotguns and rifles.  The other registration of handguns, pistols and restricted firearms will still continue.

He adds this law was felt to be a target on law abiding citizens.  "Especially hunters, farmers and sports shooters and it served no valid public safety reason."

Toews acknowledges there is some opposition among RCMP members about eliminating this registry.  "The RCMP put out a report that dealt with gun control.  The registry is a small part of gun control, generally.  We support gun control but we do not believe that the (long) gun registry in any way enhances public safety.  Our government's position on that is clear and I don't think there is any compelling evidence to indicate the (long) gun registry is an effective tool to prevent crime."