Evidence of meeting #21 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.
Bloc
Maria Mourani Bloc Ahuntsic, QC
Mr. Chairman, I would first like to say to Mr. Cossette and Mr. Pelletier that we like hunters and fishers You must not believe--
Director General, Fédération québécoise des chasseurs et pêcheurs
Good, then support our activities!
Bloc
Maria Mourani Bloc Ahuntsic, QC
The Bloc Québécois has a number of hunters among its members. Personally, I like fishing. As I see it, however, the debate is not at that level.
My questions are addressed to Mr. Bernardo. Mr. Bernardo, you are part of a firearms advisory committee established by the former Minister of Public Safety, Mr. Day, if I am not mistaken.
Bloc
Maria Mourani Bloc Ahuntsic, QC
That committee includes Mr. Torino, Mr. Gary Mauser—who seems to be an expert in that area who is often quoted—yourself, Mr. Cossette, Ms. Linda Thorn, if I am not mistaken, and Mr. Farrant, whom we saw yesterday. A lot of people sit on that committee.
Is it true that it is composed solely of individuals who support this bill and who, in a way, support the deregulation of firearms?
Executive Director, Canadian Shooting Sports Association
I cannot tell you what the consensus of the committee is in that regard, ma'am, because we report to a cabinet minister. You would have to ask him what the consensus on that is. We have not met recently.
Bloc
Maria Mourani Bloc Ahuntsic, QC
When was your last report? You say that you report to a minister. Do you do that in writing and submit the report to the minister?
Executive Director, Canadian Shooting Sports Association
I'm sorry, but I am bound under a confidentiality agreement to the minister. You would have to ask him that question.
Bloc
Maria Mourani Bloc Ahuntsic, QC
As I understand it, there may be a report.
Mr. Bernardo, please tell me if what I say is incorrect. The day after the tragedy at Dawson College, the Canadian Press quoted you. You apparently said that you have a Beretta CX4 Storm. Is that correct?
Bloc
Executive Director, Canadian Shooting Sports Association
What's the question?
Bloc
Maria Mourani Bloc Ahuntsic, QC
I am asking you whether you own a Beretta CX4 Storm. Do you own that gun, yes or no?
Executive Director, Canadian Shooting Sports Association
I don't remember if I did say that or not.
Executive Director, Canadian Shooting Sports Association
Do I have that gun?
Executive Director, Canadian Shooting Sports Association
I'm sorry, ma'am, but--
Executive Director, Canadian Shooting Sports Association
--that isn't any of your business, okay? Firearms information could get my family killed. I will not do it in a public forum. Thank you.
Bloc
Maria Mourani Bloc Ahuntsic, QC
That is what you told the Canadian Press. It says that you own a Beretta CX4 Storm.
Executive Director, Canadian Shooting Sports Association
I may have had one at that time, yes.
Bloc
Maria Mourani Bloc Ahuntsic, QC
You said, and I quote: “To be perfectly honest it's a lot of fun to shoot. The little pistol calibre it comes in gives virtually no recoil. It's very accurate. The firearm is just one of those firearms that's just a lot of fun to spend a day at the range with.”
Do you remember saying that?
Executive Director, Canadian Shooting Sports Association
Well, let me ask you, ma'am, why else would anybody spend $1,200 to buy one? That's what it's for. It's a target firearm. People would spend $1,200 so they could go to a range and enjoy the pleasure of shooting it. That's what it's for.
Bloc
Maria Mourani Bloc Ahuntsic, QC
What do you think of the fact that this firearm, in particular, was used during the shootings at Dawson College? Should it be regulated? Do you think there is a need to register it? Are you in favour of registering handguns? Is it only long guns that pose a problem for you?