Thanks, Chair.
I think all of us who visited the RCMP gun vault were shocked at how fast and easy it is to 3-D print the receiver, and also how readily available it is.
This clause sets about dealing with computer data and the computer system used in new offences. This is new. It is extremely important for addressing the rise in ghost guns. Back in the day, you needed a gunsmith to be able to create these receivers. It was literally within moments, minutes, while we were standing in the room, that the 3-D printing was able to happen.
Maybe colleagues have questions for officials to clarify this. These amendments will deal with adding offences to deal with 3-D printing. It will also make Canada a leader in the world when it comes to addressing ghost guns.
I mentioned this at our last meeting. When I met with Inspector Michael Rowe in Vancouver, he said that these weapons are the preferred weapon for hit men. They are becoming the preferred weapon of gangs. It gives us an opportunity as legislators to get ahead of organized crime instead of playing catch-up. It gives police the tools they need to be able to prosecute those who are manufacturing these firearms, sometimes in a home or a residential neighbourhood.
I'm hoping that colleagues will support this amendment.