Mr. Speaker, the Department of Justice has indeed commissioned studies. It has received factual research information about the situation with firearms in this country.
We have read with interest some research information released yesterday by the Toronto police about the incidence of the use of handguns in the commission of crime in that city. We read the report recently about the defects in the present registration system for restricted firearms and the need to improve the registration system.
We have read studies about the need for change in the criminal law to send the message that if one uses a firearm in the commission of an offence, one will get a stern response from the justice system.
Our proposals will be based upon fact. They are going to be based upon research. But they are going to be based more than anything else upon the policy of this government which is to take steps that ensure the safety of our society.