The temporary restriction on the handgun imports has been put into action, according to an announcement made today by the honourable Mélanie Joly, minister of foreign affairs, and the honourable Marco Mendicino, minister of public safety.
Subject to specific limitations that closely resemble those in Bill C-21, this temporary ban means that neither individuals nor businesses will be able to import prohibited handguns into Canada.
These actions will reduce the demand for handguns until the Bill C-21-proposed national firearm freeze goes into effect because businesses won’t be able to replenish their stocks.
“All Canadians deserve to feel safe in their communities. As a government, it is our collective responsibility to explore every avenue to make that so. The temporary ban on the importation of handguns is an important measure in our comprehensive plan to build a safer Canada for everyone.”
– Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs
“My top priority as minister of public safety is keeping Canadians safe. This temporary ban is further proof that we are using all the tools at our disposal to fight gun crime. It is a key pillar of our plan to address it, along with investments in prevention, action at our borders, a ban on assault-style weapons and Bill C‑21: Canada’s most significant action on gun violence in a generation.”
– Marco Mendicino, Minister of Public Safety
In 2021, compared to 2020, law enforcement authorities captured more than twice as many firearms at the border, making it the largest amount in recent years.
The Firearms Act has already been amended by the Canadian government, and those changes are scheduled to take effect in the fall of 2022.
The Canadian government proposed Bill C-21 in May 2022, which includes a number of amendments to address gun violence in our communities.
Source: Canada Newsroom