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LIBERAL PARTY CONFIRMS ITS INTENTION TO BAN SEMI-AUTOMATIC HANDGUNS AND RIFLES, IF ELECTED.

Update - December 3, 2006.

If you are a hunter and you are not yet convinced that the Liberals WILL take your semi-auto hunting and trap firearms, We respectfully suggest you look at the firearms in the poster above, and review the policy program of the Liberal Party at its convention, happening this weekend in Montreal. In particular, review this resolution, passed:

Resolution #42: Automatic and Semi-automatic Weapons

WHEREAS automatic and semi-automatic weapons are illegal for hunting purposes; and

WHEREAS automatic and semi-automatic weapons do not support the hunting culture found in all parts of Canada;

BE IT RESOLVED that the Liberal Party of Canada urge the Government of Canada to support legislation to eliminate the personal use of automatic and semi-automatic weapons.

National Women's Liberal Commission - Liberal Party of Nova Scotia

Never mind that the resolution is factually inaccurate, by a long way. This follows the view of IANSA, that hunters only need a single shot firearm to hunt with.
Update - November 12, 2006.

This will be the last update on the topic of the semi-auto ban unless new relevent information is received. The response to the semi-auto ban "rumour" was apparently unlike anything Parliament Hill has experienced before from the grass roots. Based on a synthesis of responses from individual MPs to their constituents, the subsequent referrals to Stockwell Day's ministry (Public safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada), and a meeting of Garry Breitkreuz (CPC, Yorkton) with Minister Day, the following would seem to be true:
  • There is no immediate intention to proceed toward a ban or re-classification of any firearm currently (no satisfactory elaboration of this word has been received).

  • A ban (and classification?) was discussed in caucus by the CPC, and roundly rejected as undesirable by MPs (Laurie Hawn, CPC, Edmonton).

  • Consultations have been and continue to be underway with "stakeholders" on the means by which gun control can be improved or strengthened. Stakeholders include the provinces and a wide range of "squeaky wheels". While it is believed the conversation centres around more rigorous licence checks and penalties for gun crime, no meaningful public agenda has been released as far as we know.

  • the role of the PMO in this initative is suspect...

  • The individual who prompted the rumour in the first place stands by his sources.

  • The reaction of the government has not been sufficient to assuage the grass roots that something was not, or is not forthcoming. Presently, the grass roots community are holding a guarded optimism that the government "got the message", but are pledging to remain vigilant and proactive.

Update 1 - November 6, 2006.

If you haven't read these three posts on the front page: Rumour or sellout?, and, Betrayal..., and Still have Legs? please do so. Then, take note of the updates that follow and craft your response to those below and to your MP. Tell him clearly, the future of the CPC lies in his behavior at any vote in the house on this issue.

Update 2 - November 6, 2006.

In response to the rumour, the office of Stockwell Day, deluged apparently with emails, faxes and phone messages has been advising callers that Minister Day and the CPC have no plans currently to introduce changes to classification or prohibition to semi-automatic long guns. They have been somewhat surprised by the intensity of the response to the weekend rumour.

Update 3 - November 6, 2006.

Feedback coming out of variety of CPC MP offices today is indicating that no plan is in the works to further ban or re-classify semi-automatic firearms, although there have been a few admissions that it has been a topic of discussion. For the moment, it appears that calm is returning to the hinterland, and the CPC has been fully apprised of its constituent's concerns. However, if you haven't written, make sure your voice is heard. Every firearms owner has a stake in these discussions.

Update 4 - November 6, 2006.

Just when we thought this story could be put to bed, it continues to break. As more MP's offices report in to their constituents, the messages are not consistent. Some are saying the CPC "has no plans, currently", some point to Bill C-21 as not having any changes to semi-autos (it doesn't, but then it wasn't intended to), some, like the following from David Emerson's assistant, are more illuminating:
"Further to our telephone conversation, I can confirm that the government is currently in consultation regarding the possible reclassification of restricted firearms. This process is being conducted with Provincial, Territorial and Stakeholders across Canada. The intention is to improve Canada’s laws, enhancing public safety while keeping with our platform. Please note that this is only a consultation process.

I have requested more information from Hon. Stockwell Day, Minister of Public Safety, and as soon as I am in receipt of same, I will be in touch with you.

Sincerely,

Elecia Elliott
PA to the Honourable David Emerson, PC, MP Vancouver Kingsway