Firstly, I find this type of statement somewhat inappropriate because it challenges the word of those most intimately affected, i.e, the victims themselves. We see tangible examples of how the registry saves lives everyday. Indeed, women come to our facilities as a preventive measure. They are only able to do that because firearms have been seized.
Secondly, as I said earlier, Quebec is the only province that has developed a policy on domestic violence. One of the guiding principles is to ensure the safety of victims of domestic violence. Three action plans have been implemented. They contain specific measures for law enforcement and the family law system. The Government built these provisions, which require the police to confiscate firearms, into the Manual of Police Practices. Emotion is no longer a factor. It is now official Government policy.
The evidence is tangible. The various associations of police chiefs are advocating the retention of the long-gun registry. The Quebec government is even prepared to recover the data. Consequently, there is now commitment at the political and practical level. Emotion does not come into it.