OPINION: Holding The Government Accountable

Oh, what a legacy he leaves.

As we continue along in this new year, we find ourselves facing yet another round of firearm bans introduced by the government – adding even more restrictions to Canada’s already labyrinthine gun laws.

In the waning moments of his leadership, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has made a last gasp effort to establish some kind of “legacy” for himself, and not have his leadership reduced to one embroiled in scandal after scandal. He continues to employ this one piece of political machinery in the hope posterity will recall him as a champion of justice and order but will instead install him forever as a man who tried to systematically disarm lawful, responsible Canadians while doing absolutely nothing about the actual problem he was attempting to solve – criminals who acquire firearms illegally.

Remember three years ago when I warned about Bill C-71 and predicted that more restrictions would be coming? Well, surprise, surprise! Here we are, and we’re now seeing even more bans, including the likely addition of firearms like the Ruger 10/22. You know, the rifle that’s commonly used for target shooting and small game hunting by families, sportsmen and hobbyists.

This firearm – likely to be on the chopping block – has never seen combat, and yet here we are, with the government branding it as a “weapon of war” for reasons that only make sense to bureaucrats who don’t know the first thing about firearms.

And let’s not forget, Trudeau’s attempt to leave a mark on his way out isn’t just about more bans for the sake of bans. No, no, he’s gone full throttle – targeting firearms that have been part of Canadian culture for generations. This government has been relentless in its attack on responsible gun owners, but don’t worry, they’re definitely not tackling the real issues like illegal firearms trafficking, smuggling rings or criminals who get their guns from places that don’t care about laws.

After all, let’s blame the people who actually follow the rules, right?

As expected, when the government starts talking about public safety, they never bother to mention that 90 per cent of the firearms used in crimes are smuggled in from other countries. Instead, they continue to focus on punishing law-abiding citizens who undergo criminal background checks, are regularly monitored by the RCMP and follow the rules to a ‘T.’

It’s almost laughable, really. Every time a mass shooting happens, the government trots out their usual rhetoric – banning more guns, passing more Orders in Council – and yet, gun violence continues to rise. They seem to forget that while they’re busy making it harder for law-abiding Canadians to own firearms, criminal organizations are getting more creative at smuggling illegal firearms into the country.

But again, who needs evidence-based policy when you can just rely on fear and emotion?

And let’s not forget the cost of all this – remember the firearms registry that cost Canadian taxpayers over $2 billion? Well, guess what? The latest round of bans is expected to top a whopping $6 billion. That’s right, while Canadians are struggling with rising food bank usage and a floundering economy, the government thinks spending billions on firearms bans is a good investment.

In rural Canada, hunting and shooting sports are part of the cultural fabric. These bans hurt small businesses, local economies and generations-old traditions. But don’t worry, folks, the government is just trying to protect you from things like a Ruger 10/22.

This isn’t about public safety, folks. It’s about trying to disarm responsible citizens, create unnecessary panic and distract from the real issues facing our country.

Here’s the thing: it’s time for a change. These bans have gone on long enough, and it’s clear that they don’t work.

But, of course, as long as he is trying to leave a “legacy” on his way out, we’ll continue to see more and more ridiculous bans and attacks on the people who have been following the law the entire time.

It’s time for Canadians to take a stand. If we don’t, we’ll be stuck in this endless cycle of bans, restrictions and wasted taxpayer dollars. Instead of focusing on disarming those who have done nothing wrong, let’s focus on the real criminals. Let’s stop letting the government scapegoat firearm owners and actually start dealing with the real issues – crime, smuggling and mental health. Let’s make Canada a safer place, not a place where law-abiding citizens are constantly punished for being responsible.

Enough is enough. Let’s hold the government accountable and demand real solutions. Because, quite frankly, we deserve better than this.

Steve Hamilton, MGC

Communications Specialist

• Monarch Member – Wild Sheep Society of BC
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