I would simply say that using a firearm is a very serious offence. As a society, we have to send a very strong message, particularly to the judiciary, that this is unacceptable. If someone is caught with a firearm, whether the person used it or not, as I explained earlier, that person has an intention, whether it is latent or not. In fact, this is what constitutes a serious danger.
Just imagine how you would feel if you were the victim of an assault with a firearm, even if the person was just pointing the gun at you while you were peacefully going about your business. I don't think you would feel any safer in your community knowing that this person would not be subject to a minimum of sanctions.
I have every confidence in the judges' judgment. However, at some point, the legislator must also convey society's message to the judiciary. The moment someone crosses a threshold by using a firearm in the context of criminal activity, a line has been crossed.
Judgments obviously evolve over time, either through doctrine or through decisions arising from case law that bind the courts together. However, I believe that, as legislators, you have the power to send the message to the judiciary and to the public that this is unacceptable.
We are currently seeing an increase in the number of shootings everywhere and the use of weapons is becoming more and more commonplace. We see on social networks that people are no longer afraid to show off with illegal weapons. Once again, this affects several sectors of society. We must not forget one thing, and that is that the first victims of gun traffickers from aboriginal reserves are aboriginal people themselves. Once again, having worked in the intelligence division to combat street gangs, I can tell you one thing: the majority of victims of street gangs are often people who live in the same community.
As legislators, you have a duty to protect all these citizens.