Mr. Speaker, there is a matter of dire urgency that we as parliamentarians must deal with immediately. The urgency is the continuing problem of illegal firearm use on the streets of our country.
While I commend the right hon. Prime Minister for his position of establishing a registry for all firearms in Canada, I believe that more preventive measures need to be taken. The government must introduce deterrents to stop violence on our streets.
In April of this year I proposed a mandatory 10-year sentence for anyone convicted of using a firearm in the commission of a crime. I strongly believe this sentence should be in addition to whatever sentence the individual receives for being convicted of a crime.
The Criminal Code has to be amended to include this provision. Until it is done criminals will not get the message.