You may know some colleagues, some friends, or some constituents who have actually purchased a firearm over the last decade. That was legal. With the stroke of a pen, these law-abiding citizens were turned into criminals because a firearm that was non-restricted was classified restricted and even prohibited. Still, physically, we have in front of us the same firearm. This was clearly a mistake; this is a mistake. Since the law was put in place in 1995, there have been no mechanisms to correct mistakes. What we are suggesting is that, based on the advice of technical experts, we would fix those mistakes. I want to be very clear this morning that we intend to fix the mistake.
As you know, those who at this point in time own this firearm, the CZ858 or the Swiss Arms, have an amnesty. But, still, the firearm is considered restricted or non-restricted, depending on which one we're talking about. We need to fix this mistake. That's why we are introducing a review mechanism that will be based on the advice of experts so we can fix those mistakes and treat with respect those who acquired firearms that were deemed to be legal under the law and who were treated, I would say, as second-class citizens. I really feel this is unacceptable. This goes against common sense. This is actually going against the safety and security of our country because this has nothing to do with security. This has to do with red tape and with harassing law-abiding citizens. That's why there is a provision in this law that is willing to fix it and introduce a review mechanism for mistakes. Mistakes happen; we just need to be able to recognize that they happen and have a mechanism to fix them.