Prime Minister Justin Trudeau yesterday announced that his government is proposing a new law that would freeze private ownership of all handguns in the country. The decision comes after the deadly Texas school shooting which saw 21 killed.
The legislation which was presented to Parliament on Monday, would not ban the ownership of handguns outright – but would make it illegal to buy, sell or transfer them anywhere in the country.
“Other than using firearms for sport shooting and hunting, there is no reason anyone in Canada should need guns in their everyday lives,” Mr Trudeau told reporters.
“As we see gun violence continue to rise, it is our duty to keep taking action,” he said. Additionally, the bill would also require rifle magazines to be reconfigured to hold no more than five rounds at a time.
Canada already has stricter rules on gun ownership than the US and records fewer firearm incidents each year. This includes extensive background checks for anyone wishing to buy a firearm.
