Canada Bans Additional 324 Firearm Varieties, Offers Send Weapons to Ukraine
Move Follows Past Bans, Sparking Debate Over Gun Control Policy
Canada announced on Thursday a new ban on 324 firearm varieties, further tightening gun control measures that began in 2020. The move follows previous bans on over 2,000 firearm models and arises as the government prepares for a planned buyback program intended to remove prohibited weapons from citizens.
Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc declared that these newly prohibited firearms “cannot be used anymore.”
This latest restriction comes after ongoing concerns from gun control advocates who pointed out that previous bans targeted less lethal models while certain assault-style firearms remained accessible.
The announcement also sheds light on Canada’s role in the international effort to support Ukraine amidst the ongoing war against Russia.
Defense Minister Bill Blair stated that Canada has been communicating with Ukrainian officials, who have expressed interest in acquiring some of the banned weapons for immediate service in their defense efforts against Russia.
“Every little bit of assistance we can provide to the Ukrainians is one step closer to securing their victory,” Blair emphasized.
Impressive as it sounds, this proposal evokes complex considerations. Canada is also coping with the limitations of its own domestic access to firearms.
While mass shootings are vastly less common in Canada compared to the United States – partly due to stricter gun control laws and fewer readily available weapons – illegally smuggled firearms are knowingly used in criminal activity. These restrictions, while aimed at mitigating such illegal activity, may face backlash from those who view them as a transgression against responsible gun ownership.
It’s a delicate tightrope. Canada strives to strike a balance between safeguarding public safety while acknowledging the rights of individuals to own guns for legitimate purposes such as hunting and sport shooting.
Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre criticized the latest announcement, urging Canadians to think critically regarding its implications.
He accused the government of Trudeau of exploiting this crisis to subtly disarm law-abiding citizens, thereby violating their rights and doing little to curtail the actual criminals who are fueled by an illegal market.
Following behind the 2020 ban, this new wave of restrictions coincides with a sobering anniversary: the 35th anniversary of the Montreal massacre. This grim milestone serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of gun violence. In 1989, a gunman attacked engineering students at École Polytechnique, claiming the lives of 14 women and injuring several others before taking his own life. The Ruger Mini-14 utilized in the shooting was subsequently banned.
Nathalie Provost, a survivor of the Montreal massacre who was wounded during the attack
, welcomes these latest measures.
“These are weaponry designed for killing, military weapons,” she said, emphasizing her relief at this new step toward mitigating such tragedies. ricochets.
The debate surrounding gun control will undoubtedly continue as the government rolls out the buyback program. It’s a complex issue triggering strong feelings on both sides. The government insists on its commitment to public safety while repeating that the Buy Back operation will be fair and equitable. It remains to be seen whether Canada can successfully stride down this challenging path.
What arguments do gun control advocates in Canada present to justify expanding gun bans?
## Triggered: Canada Bans More Guns, Eyes Ukraine Support
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**Host:** Welcome back to the show. Today we’re diving deep into Canada’s latest gun control measures. The federal government has announced a ban on 324 additional firearm varieties, bringing the total number of prohibited weapons to over 2,000 since 2020. Joining us to discuss the implications of this move is Dr. Emily Carter, a professor of political science specializing in gun policy at the University of Toronto. Dr. Carter, welcome to the show.
**Dr. Carter:** Thank you for having me.
**Host:** The Canadian government says these new bans are about public safety and addressing concerns raised by gun control advocates. Can you elaborate on those concerns? [[1](https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/liberal-gun-control-announcement-1.7402187)]
**Dr. Carter:** Absolutely. There’s been ongoing criticism that previous bans focused on less lethal firearms, while weapons often considered “assault-style” remained available. These new restrictions appear to be aimed at closing that perceived loophole and tightening regulations on more powerful firearms.
**Host:** Is there a sense of urgency driving these bans, particularly given the planned buyback programme?
**Dr. Carter:** There is definitely a sense of urgency. Gun violence, although less prevalent than in the United States, is still a concern in Canada. The government is aiming to remove prohibited weapons from circulation through this buyback programme, and these bans are a crucial part of that strategy.
**Host:** Now, there’s also talk of sending some of these banned weapons to Ukraine. How does this fit into Canada’s role in the global conflict?
**Dr. Carter:** This is where things get complex. Canada has pledged to support Ukraine in its defense against Russia, and providing weaponry is part of that commitment. [[1](https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/liberal-gun-control-announcement-1.7402187)]However, there’s a delicate balance. Sending banned firearms abroad while simultaneously tightening domestic restrictions raises questions about the effectiveness of these measures and potential unintended consequences.
**Host:** Exactly. It seems like a bold move with potentially fraught implications. What are some of the potential challenges Canada might face?
**Dr. Carter:** One challenge is potential backlash from gun owners who view these measures as unjustified infringement on their rights. There’s also the logistical issue of ensuring the weapons sent to Ukraine are effectively used and don’t fall into the wrong hands.
**Host:** This is a critically important topic with multifaceted implications for Canada. Dr. Carter, thank you for sharing your expertise with us today.
**Dr. Carter:** My pleasure.
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