Mr. Harris asked a question in the manner in which I would, because I always ask questions that I believe my constituents would ask, and my constituents would understand the following: coming from a paramilitary background, police officers from time to time.... It's more easily explained by saying a firearm is a tool of the trade. Whether a police officer or someone in the armed forces, that's a tool of their trade. They need that to do their job. It's part of their job. For that person to maintain their employment, they must carry their weapon as part of their uniform and the duties they may have to perform. While they're off duty, while they're not there, they can be prohibited from carrying that tool because it isn't necessary in their day-to-day life.
On February 27th, 2013. See this statement in context.