Mr. Speaker, I have received a petition signed by over 2,000 residents of southern Alberta.
I would like to associate myself with the prayer in the petition which reads:
Whereas there is no proven connection between gun control legislation and a decrease in the occurrence of criminal activity;
And whereas all handguns in Canada are required by law to be registered;
And whereas crimes involving the use of firearms already carry severe penalties under the Criminal Code;
And whereas criminals by definition feel no compulsion to abide by the law;
We the undersigned feel that implementing more restrictive firearms controls which will affect only law abiding citizens is an unjustifiable action and the proper course of action for responsible governments to follow is more effective prosecution and tougher sentencing of criminals.
I will be forwarding the petition to the Minister of Justice.