Thank you, Mr. Chair.
We are at clause 43, which contains the much-debated exception for handguns.
Amendment BQ-21 strengthens this measure, in a way, by instituting a requirement that already exists in Quebec. We are asking that the much-debated letter, which must be written by a national or provincial sport shooting governing body, be sent annually. So we are simply adding the word "annually". I believe this strengthens the bill. First, we ensure continuing eligibility, by requiring that an annual letter be sent to the chief firearms officer. Second, we also ensure eligibility to possess a restricted weapon by requiring the annual submission showing active membership in a shooting club.
At the federal level, the reason most often cited to justify the acquisition of a restricted firearm is target practice. That condition needs to be met only at the time the application is made, when it is assumed that the individual is an active member of a shooting club. Bizarrely, it is not necessary to maintain the membership once the restricted firearm is purchased. In my opinion, that makes no sense. In Quebec, the Act to protect persons with regard to activities involving firearms, or Anastasia's Law, requires that owners of restricted firearms actively practice target shooting—at least once a year—in order to continue to possess the firearms.
As a result, I think the bill should be amended to require an annual submission showing membership in a shooting club and an annual letter from a shooting federation attesting to the person's participation in Olympic disciplines. We might talk about that a little later.
I hope my colleagues will support this amendment calling for a letter to be provided annually. I notice that similar things are being proposed a little later that may be more restrictive.
I believe this annual requirement would be a reasonable compromise.