Public Safety Committee on May 13th, 2010

Evidence of meeting #18 for Public Safety and National Security in the 40th Parliament, 3rd Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was firearm.

A recording is available from Parliament.

On the agenda

Bill C-391, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Firearms Act (repeal of long-gun registry)

MPs speaking

Also speaking

Alexa Conradi President, Fédération des femmes du Québec

Manon Monastesse Director, Fédération de ressources d'hébergement pour femmes violentées et en difficulté du Québec, Fédération des femmes du Québec

Charles Momy President, Canadian Police Association

Nadine Teeft Detective Constable, Organized Crime Enforcement, Gun and Gang Task Force, Toronto Police Services, Canadian Police Association

John Edzerza Member of the Legislative Assembly, McIntyre-Takhini, and Minister of Environment, Government of Yukon

Bob Rich Chief Constable, Abbotsford Police Department

Brian Rahilly Spokesperson, Dawson College Committee for Gun Control

Alan Drummond Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians

Carolyn Snider Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians

5:25 p.m.

Liberal

Mark Holland Liberal Ajax—Pickering, ON

Here's the thing.

Mr. Chair, I have the opportunity to lead into a question. Mr. Chair, please, I'm trying to ask a question. Please.

First of all, I stand proud with a leader who will stand for keeping our communities safe. I stand proud with a leader who's going to say that a system that is supported by that many professionals is one that we need to keep. I would ask this question to anybody: why on earth would you kill something that costs $4.1 million when so many people say it's a tool they need?

At the end of the day, if you as an individual don't particularly need to use that tool, then let others continue to use it, just as is the case with a trucker who has to drive for a living. He understands that he has to register his car. It's the same thing with a gun.

My question is for the Fédération des femmes du Québec.

5:25 p.m.

Conservative

The Chair Conservative Garry Breitkreuz

Allow some time for answering.

5:25 p.m.

Liberal

Mark Holland Liberal Ajax—Pickering, ON

Do you think this bill, and by extension the Harper government to which this bill belongs, stands up for women? Do you think that killing the gun registry is an effective way to combat violence against women?

5:25 p.m.

Conservative

The Chair Conservative Garry Breitkreuz

Does anybody want to pick up on that?

5:25 p.m.

President, Fédération des femmes du Québec

Alexa Conradi

Of course it is not a good way to combat violence against women.

I have a question for the Conservatives. Have they asked aboriginal women's groups what they think about the domestic violence they are experiencing and what they think about registration? Also, what do women in rural areas think about the domestic gun violence they will be facing when firearms no longer have to be registered?

We consider this bill to be irresponsible and it really has to be opposed.

5:25 p.m.

Conservative

The Chair Conservative Garry Breitkreuz

Is there anybody else? Go ahead, Mr. Edzerza.

5:25 p.m.

Member of the Legislative Assembly, McIntyre-Takhini, and Minister of Environment, Government of Yukon

John Edzerza

Yes, I would—

5:25 p.m.

Liberal

Mark Holland Liberal Ajax—Pickering, ON

It's my turn, Mr. Chair. I have a question for Mr. Momy.

5:25 p.m.

Conservative

The Chair Conservative Garry Breitkreuz

You addressed this to everybody on the panel, and now—

5:25 p.m.

Liberal

Mark Holland Liberal Ajax—Pickering, ON

No, I didn't. I asked a very specific question to the federation. I have a last question for Mr. Momy and one for Detective Constable Teeft, and I only have one moment.

I just want to know—

5:25 p.m.

Conservative

The Chair Conservative Garry Breitkreuz

I'm sorry. The time is up.

This meeting stands adjourned.