MWF staff member Chris Benson appeared before the City of Winnipeg Council today to speak in opposition to the city signing onto the Federal Government’s Assault “Style” Firearm Compensation Program (as part of the larger and disastrous Federal Bill C-21).
Chris conveyed MWF’s position that this poorly conceived program does not address the root causes of firearm crime in Canada and removing firearms that are used for hunting and sport shooting from legal and vetted firearms owners only creates a false sense of security on reducing gun crime. We believe the 3.5 million could have been put to better use by targeting gangs and the illegal importation of firearms.
Unfortunately, our efforts to educate the city council on the perils of this approach was unsuccessful and the motion was passed (12-4). While disappointed with today’s decision, The MWF would like to thank the councilors who reached out to us for more information and took the initiative to educate themselves prior to the vote.
We also appreciate that Mayor Gillingham quicky responded with correspondence explaining the City’s position. You can read the mayor’s letter here:
