Mr. Speaker, Canadians on both sides of the highly emotional, polarized gun control debate must move from their extreme positions and work to find common ground. Legitimate concerns of responsible gun owners will be listened to.
We must not equate gun owners with criminals. However, we must also work to prevent the abuse of firearms.
The shocking brutality of domestic violence must be recognized and understood by all Canadians. In Canada 42 per cent of women killed by husbands are shot, 80 per cent with rifles and shotguns. The majority of these guns are legally owned.
It is a privilege, not a right, to own a firearm. We must do whatever possible to ensure our communities, homes and children are safe.