OTTAWA - The CSSA is pleased to support Portage-Lisgar M.P., Candice Hoeppner’s Private Members Bill C-391, to end the failed and wasteful Long Gun Registry.

“We are pleased to see the Conservative government attempting to achieve consensus in the House of Commons regarding firearms legislation. This Bill addresses the concerns of the Opposition while removing the costly albatross of the long gun registry,” stated Tony Bernardo, Executive Director of the Canadian Institute for Legislative Action.

The Hoeppner Bill, C-391, contains provisions that will end the Long Gun Registry, reducing the exorbitant costs associated with the Firearms Act. “Ending the Long Gun Registry can only result in massively decreased costs with no loss of public safety,” Bernardo added.

Despite having only half the firearms in Canada entered into the registry, the CBC has estimated its costs to Canadian taxpayers at over $2 Billion and it is estimated another $1 Billion + will be needed to complete the program, not including annual operating costs.

Support for the failed program has almost totally diminished, except for certain special interest groups like the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police, a group that accepts large donations from the company that runs the Registry computer systems (CGI.)

CSSA Executive Director Larry Whitmore states, “This is a Bill that all Canadians can feel comfortable with. C-391 will help restore credibility to Canada’s firearms control measures and we strongly encourage all Canadians to support it.” He added, “The Opposition has clearly stated their desire for such a Bill. It's time for them to stop the rhetoric and act in the interests of Canada's taxpayers. They need to support Bill C-391.”

For more information:

Tony Bernardo
Canadian Institute for Legislative Action (CILA)
(905) 571-2150
abernardo343@rogers.com

Larry Whitmore
Canadian Shooting Sports Association (CSSA)
(905) 265-0692
l.whitmore@cdnshootingsports.org