Canada is expected to pass comprehensive arms reform legislation, including a measure that allows municipalities to ban guns.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
Justin Pierre James Trudeau Biden’s treatment of energy companies is not a way to lead a healthy economy Harris talks to Trudeau on first call with foreign leader, while Vice President Trudeau announces new restrictions on international travel to Canada MORE announced the new measures on Tuesday, a complete package based on a ban on more than 1,500 assault firearms.
Trudeau told a news conference on Tuesday that the country will continue with a buyback program “in the coming months.”
Proposals include the Canadian government supporting municipalities that restrict the storage and transportation of small arms. Violation of these regulations would result in a maximum sentence of two years in prison and a possible revocation.
Another proposal would create “red flag” and “yellow flag” laws that would facilitate the access of petition courts for the friends and relatives concerned for the immediate removal of a firearm or to ask a chief weapons officer to suspend and review a person’s gun permit.
In addition, the bill would increase penalties for trafficking and smuggling of firearms from 10 years to 14 years in prison, as well as allow the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and local law enforcement to share licensing and registration data for the investigation or criminal prosecution of arms trafficking offenses.
“You can’t fight gun violence or any violence on a single front,” Trudeau said. “You can’t fight it without addressing its root causes.”
The measures come as the arms reform measures adopted in June 2019 are expected to enter into force. These measures include requiring sellers to verify a firearms license prior to purchase and extensive background checks that take into account an applicant’s life history.