TheGunBlog.ca — Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe joined his counterpart in Ontario and police leaders across Canada in rejecting new gun bans being considered by the federal government. The federal Liberal Party is itself divided on firearm policy aimed at millions of hunters and sport shooters.

“We do not endorse the banning of firearms here in the province,” the Saskatoon StarPhoenix quoted Moe as telling reporters Sept. 12 after a meeting in Saskatoon with Canada’s prime minister.

Growing Opposition

Moe’s rejection adds to the growing opposition to the federal government’s planned or possible new confiscations of guns used by millions of Canadians for hunting, sport shooting and protection.

Individuals across the country are urging politicians to reject new bans. An Alberta teenager initiated the second-most-popular e-petition in the history of the House of Commons to oppose Bill C-71, a proposed law to confiscate more guns from their owners after they die.

More men and women have a firearm licence than the number who play hockey. Millions of unlicensed family and friends of all ages also enjoy hunting and target sports under the supervision of licensed adults.

Liberals Split

News reports this week said the federal government’s firearm policy is dividing Liberal members of parliament. They met in Saskatoon this week to prepare for next week’s start of the fall session of the House of Commons.

In August, Ontario Premier Doug Ford became the country’s first political leader to publicly refuse new prohibitions aimed at licensed gun users.

“I wouldn’t support a ban on handguns,” Ford told reporters in Toronto on Aug. 9. “There’s a lot of legal, responsible handgun owners. … We have to refocus all our resources going after the bad guys, not the good guys, but the bad guys.”

Bans for Votes

The Liberals could win votes and strengthen their control of the House by inventing new crimes against firearm users, a top public-relations firm said in March. A poll last month showed a majority of respondents support confiscating guns from honest Canadians.

The day after the poll ended, the prime minister indicated he’s considering a “full ban” on handguns and certain other firearms owned by authorized individuals. All guns already are illegal to own for anyone without a licence.

Career Ender

The prime minister’s announcement came as Team Canada shooters headed to South Korea for a world championship as they seek to qualify for the 2020 Olympics. Bans would terminate athletic careers, force businesses to close and put thousands of people out of work.

Getting ready with Lynda Kiejko @Cdnshootingstar for the mixed team event in the athlete lounge at the 52nd ISSF World Championships! @ISSF_Shooting #ISSFWCH pic.twitter.com/EBIKDq07Wb

— Allan Harding (@alharding) September 1, 2018

Toronto City Council voted in July to ask the federal government to end the civilian ownership of pistols, revolvers and all semi-automatic rifles and shotguns across Canada. Montreal and Quebec City have followed.

Cops Say ‘No’

“I’m not sure if a complete ban is the answer, or tweaking the legislation to ensure more accountability,” Royal Canadian Mounted Police Commissioner Brenda Lucki told CBC radio in an interview a month ago when asked about an “absolute ban” on handguns. “It’s difficult for me to say, honestly.”

Read: Three Top Cops Don’t Support Banning Guns From Lawful Owners

“I agree,” Chris Lewis, the retired commissioner of the Ontario Provincial Police, responded on Twitter. “It would be unmanageable and unfair to the majority of handgun owners who obey the law and always use their guns safely. Let’s effectively deal with the criminals that do NOT obey the current criminal law.”

Adam Palmer, the chief of the Vancouver police and the president of the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police, told CTV News a month ago that taking guns away from authorized individuals doesn’t stop criminals.

Moe Says ‘No’

“A gun ban is not the solution,” Mike McCormack, the president of the Toronto police labour union tweeted in August.

The Saskatoon StarPhoenix said Moe was asked if he thought banning pistols and revolvers would help reduce Saskatchewan’s crime rate, one of the highest in Canada. The paper said the premier replied with a simple, “No.”

Like what you’re reading? Please consider supporting us so we can keep supporting you.

© 2018 TheGunBlog.ca

The post Moe Says ‘No’: Saskatchewan Premier Joins Opposition to Gun Bans appeared first on TheGunBlog.ca.