Ottawa, Ontario — Prime Minister Mark Carney marked the National Day Against Gun Violence by reaffirming his government’s commitment to tackle organized crime and enhance public safety with a sweeping set of measures targeting illegal guns, drug trafficking, and repeat violent offenders.
“Canada’s new government has a mandate to keep communities safe,” Carney stated. “We affirm our commitment to deliver on that mandate with purpose and full force.”
The Prime Minister highlighted the government’s recently tabled Strong Borders Act, a legislative package designed to give law enforcement new powers to secure Canada’s borders and dismantle criminal networks. The act includes provisions to crack down on money laundering and disrupt fentanyl smuggling routes into the country.
As part of its expanded enforcement strategy, the federal government will increase the deployment of high-tech surveillance tools — including scanners, drones, helicopters, and canine units — to intercept illegal firearms and narcotics entering Canada. Additional personnel will be stationed along high-risk entry points to strengthen border integrity.
The Prime Minister also pledged to take stronger action on domestic gun violence. The government will move to revoke firearms licences from individuals convicted of intimate partner violence or those under active protection orders.
“Increasingly, Canadians are concerned not just about guns, but about who has access to them,” Carney said. “We’re putting forward real solutions to stop the flow of illegal firearms and remove them from the hands of dangerous individuals.”
Carney also pointed to forthcoming bail reforms targeting repeat violent offenders. Under new rules to be introduced, bail will be significantly harder to obtain for those charged with car theft, home invasions, human trafficking, and drug smuggling — offences that have seen a troubling rise in several Canadian provinces.
“Canadians voted for change,” said Carney. “And we will deliver that change with decisive action over the coming months.”
The Prime Minister reaffirmed that the government would continue to work with law enforcement, provinces, territories, and municipalities to implement these new measures and ensure safer communities across the country.
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It is my thought that retired police officers be permitted to hold carry permits for handguns if they are willing to maintain proficiency in the handling of their restricted firearms. Who better to assist in emergent situations as they arise. Most but not all officers are quite professional in the manner of handling their firearms that they have had for 30 years or more. This would apply only if said officers were willing to do so and maintain their proficiency through annual testing of their skill in both offensive and defensive training.
That is a good idea. Off-duty officers should also be allowed to carry as well. In addition, there should be a comprehensive training and vetting program allowing for vetted RPAL owners who may also wish to conceal carry and assist when needed…
How about having Active Duty Officers carry Concealed … when Off Duty too
The police officer is just another public servant. A lot do not like their sidearms but must carry as a part of the uniform. We private citizens do monthly practice and lots of us are better shooters than a big percentage of the police. With the previous comments any body should be able to get a carry permit. OHH! wait. That is the law right now. Only thing is most Chief firearms officers will not issue.
It seems to me the current law is the small number of legal firearms owners are only allowed to keep their handguns in a safe, and new legal firearms owners can’t legally own handguns at all!
Just my two cents, I don’t think Carney is listening or is likely to read the comments here. Maybe we just need to work towards making it legal for all law abiding Canadians to legally purchase and possess handguns again, In my perfect world no one with unpardoned violent criminal records should have access to handguns, but those who legally can own firearms should have access subject to passing firearms safety. Anyone with the inclination should be able to concealed carry, but with signifcantly more stringent firearms safety and proficiency requirements.