MP says Trudeau’s gun ban will do ‘nothing’ to solve problem

The Member of Parliament for the North Okanagan Shuswap says the Prime Minister has missed the mark with his immediate ban on military-style assault weapons.

Mel Arnold of the Conservatives issued a statement saying the Liberal’s order-in council on Friday to impose the ban will do nothing to solve the problem of violence caused by guns.

“Although, I believe the Prime Minister desires to reduce the amount of violence caused by guns, his decision to forego Parliament’s legislative and democratic channels and utilize an order in council to deliver a 2019 campaign promise is, frankly, wrong,” said Arnold

“Yes, Canada is still reeling from a mass shooting that claimed more lives than any before it. We all want solutions- actions to hopefully prevent loss of lives tomorrow and onwards. This is a problem that needs to be solved. The reality is, most gun crimes are committed with illegally obtained firearms and nothing that the Prime Minister announced today will solve this problem.”

Arnold said the announcement should have targeted gangs and those who smuggle, sell or use guns illegally.

“Instead, the Prime Minister has announced measures that will solely impact Canadians who have met the legal requirements of firearms ownership and follow the law. ”

The second-term MP from Salmon Arm said to effectively reduce or eliminate violence in society, we must first deal with the mental health and addictions crises across Canada.

“The Trudeau government has failed to increase access to mental health and addiction treatments which are most often at the root of tragedies such as that in Nova Scotia last week.”

Arnold is also upset that due to the Covid crisis, the Parliamentary process is restricted, and the democratic mechanisms of accountability have been limited.

“The prevailing crisis is no reason for the Trudeau government to forego the principles of accountability that we all deserve; yet, the government insists on exploiting prevailing circumstances to escape accountability. ”

Arnold goes on to say the Conservatives will continue to press the government for actions that will deliver the desired results.

“This includes support for police anti-gang and gun units, a Firearms Smuggling Task Force to stop illegal imports of guns, support for courts and prosecutors and tougher sentences for violent offenders.

“Additionally, Canadians need our federal government to get serious about expanding access to mental health supports and addictions treatments for all Canadians.”