Does Canada have a Gun Problem?
Clear definitions, tracking systems, and Indigenous consultations are vital in promoting public safety measures to tackle gun violence.
By Gianna Formica
IN THE FACE OF GUN VIOLENCE, it is undeniably important to take action. But let us dig deeper and ask ourselves: What is the true extent of the gun threat in Canada? Are the availability and use of guns imminent policy concerns or are they mere political talking point for the Liberals?
In 2021, Prime Minister Trudeau tasked his Ministers of Justice and Public Safety to introduce red flag laws that would restrict a person who is considered a threat to themselves or others, especially a partner or spouse, to own any firearms. Increasing the maximum penalties for firearm trafficking and smuggling was also a key directive from the Liberal leader to his cabinet colleagues.
For context, in the latest Statistics Canada violent crime report, only 2.6 percent of victims of violent crime were in the presence of firearms. More so, firearm-related violent crime decreased by 5 percent from 2020 to 2021. Regarding the guns themselves, handguns are commonly used for violent crimes in urban areas, and rifles or shotguns are more prevalent in rural areas.
Of course, the deadly mass shooting in Nova Scotia in 2020 created shockwaves across the country, but many argue that was less of a gun problem, and more of an RCMP failure. Overall, mass shootings are still rare in Canada. Despite violent crime being down, the Liberals tabled a gun control bill, Bill C-21, in December of 2022, defending it as an assault-style weapon ban across Canada, in response to the Prime Minister’s directive to introduce red-flag laws.
However, certain aspects of the bill stirred heated discussions amongst Canadians. Initially intended as a handgun freeze, one section of the bill evolved into a list that banned various firearms categorized as "assault-style" weapons. However, the situation became increasingly complex as several politicians highlighted the lack of a clear definition for what qualifies as an "assault-style" weapon.
Thus, many Canadians became concerned that the bill was targeting guns used for hunting, particularly among Indigenous groups. As a result, the bill, in its preliminary form, did not pass in the House. A revised version, which passed in May this year, now includes more specifics on what an assault-style firearm is, provisions to make it illegal to buy or make ghost guns, wording that upholds Indigenous’ rights, and a requirement for parliamentary review in five years.
The path towards tackling gun violence via legislation gives rise to certain important questions. Should gun rights be protected in Canada, considering that there is no specific constitutional amendment dedicated to them, as in the United States? Furthermore, if the majority of Canadians support the responsible use of firearms for hunting and sport, how can lawmakers address gun violence without adversely impacting hunters and recreational users?
Looking forward, for one, there needs to be a consistent definition of what a shooting is, between law enforcement agencies, provinces, and federal jurisdictions, to keep track of such incidents accurately. Currently, there is no consistent definition. Additionally, there a tracking system to determine where the gun is coming from, and to identify whether it is sourced illegally or legally, needs to be designed. This will help lawmakers determine what measures are necessary in the first place with respect to gun violence, and whether it is a legal or illegal gun issue.
And importantly, Indigenous voices should always be at the table, full-stop. If the government is going to limit their way of life, which includes activities like hunting for food, at the very least there must be consultations with Indigenous groups – the lack of which has clearly been an issue in developing Bill C-21. For example, many of the proposed banned guns are used by Mohawk leaders to hunt. Sidestepping difficult conversations like these will not bode well for the government’s overarching public safety aims.
Red-flag laws and penalties for firearm trafficking are not bad proposals, but their significance can be overshadowed when they are bundled together with other controversial and contentious amendments. By approaching gun violence with a commitment to understanding the regional, demographic, and systemic complexities at play, beyond a poorly defined public safety narrative, Canada can design solutions that can bolster public safety while respecting the rights and values of all Canadians.
Gianna Formica is the Chief Editor of The Bell Newsletter. She is a Master of Public Policy Candidate with the Max Bell School at McGill University. Her interests lie in global affairs and political communication.