Right.
Evidence of meeting #50 for Public Safety and National Security in the 44th Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was firearm.
A recording is available from Parliament.
Evidence of meeting #50 for Public Safety and National Security in the 44th Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was firearm.
A recording is available from Parliament.
5:45 p.m.
Conservative
5:45 p.m.
Counsel, Criminal Law Policy Section, Department of Justice
Most of the known assault rifles that are in Canada would be captured currently in the schedule. The criteria set out in proposed paragraph (1.2)(g) overlap with most of the firearms set out in the schedule but don't include all of them, because in the schedule there are some rimfire firearms that would not be included in—
5:45 p.m.
Conservative
Bob Zimmer Conservative Prince George—Peace River—Northern Rockies, BC
I'll move on to my next one before I run out of time. You're a bit confused. We're a bit confused in this room. You can just imagine the folks who own firearms and who don't have the expertise that we possibly do in this room, so I had better keep going.
Given that many, if not most of the firearms that are banned under proposed paragraph (1.2)(g) were previously non-restricted, it will certainly be a challenge to inform individuals of the new obligations and the status of their property. As was mentioned, with the end of the long-gun registry, presumably there is no way of contacting any individuals based on the firearms they own. However, under the system established by Bill C-71, which required all transfers of non-restricted firearms, even between two individuals, to be recorded with the RCMP, will that data be useful in tracking down the owners of newly prohibited firearms?
5:50 p.m.
Counsel, Criminal Law Policy Section, Department of Justice
I can speak to Bill C-71 and the transfer requirements for individuals, which are that—
5:50 p.m.
Conservative
Bob Zimmer Conservative Prince George—Peace River—Northern Rockies, BC
I'm asking specifically whether that data will be useful in tracking down the owners of newly prohibited firearms—yes or no.
5:50 p.m.
Acting Director General, Firearms Policy, Department of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness
Bill C-71 includes a licence-verification requirement, which means people have to verify with the RCMP before they transfer—
5:50 p.m.
Conservative
Bob Zimmer Conservative Prince George—Peace River—Northern Rockies, BC
I know what the data is. I'm asking whether it will be useful—
5:50 p.m.
Liberal
5:50 p.m.
Liberal
5:50 p.m.
Conservative
Bob Zimmer Conservative Prince George—Peace River—Northern Rockies, BC
I just see that my time, Mr. Chair, is very limited.
5:50 p.m.
Acting Director General, Firearms Policy, Department of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness
There is no information on the firearm that is being transferred. It is simply about the individual, in terms of verifying that their licence is still active.
5:50 p.m.
Conservative
Bob Zimmer Conservative Prince George—Peace River—Northern Rockies, BC
Just yes or no, will that data be useful in tracking down the owners of the newly prohibited firearms?
5:50 p.m.
Acting Director General, Firearms Policy, Department of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness
As I indicated, there is no information about the firearm that is being transferred; therefore, no, there is no information being held at the RCMP. It's all about the individuals and whether their licence is valid. There is no information about the firearm.
5:50 p.m.
Conservative
Bob Zimmer Conservative Prince George—Peace River—Northern Rockies, BC
Thank you for the answer.
Mr. Martel is next on the list. I will pass the rest of the time to him.
5:50 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Ron McKinnon
Mr. Zimmer, you don't have any allocated time. It's a debate.
We have reached the end of our time tonight. With the consent of the committee, we will adjourn with the understanding that we will take up where we left off.
Is the committee in agreement with that?
5:50 p.m.
Some hon. members
Agreed.
5:50 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Ron McKinnon
We will resume the next scheduled meeting where we left off. Since Mr. Zimmer is done, we will start with Mr. Martel.
That being said, thank you, all.
Thank you to the officials for being here. We will invite the Canadian firearms program to attend as well.
With that, we are adjourned.
[The meeting was suspended at 5:52 p.m., Tuesday, November 29, 2022]
