Mr. Speaker, it was while meeting with representatives of the Canadian Police Association last month that the advantages of registration in identifying stockpiling of firearms was first brought to my notice. I referred to it yesterday because of its power as a compelling example of the advantages of registration.
As I said yesterday and as I firmly believe, if people are stockpiling firearms to create their own arsenal that is something the authorities should know about. We permit firearms in this country for good and legitimate purposes, whether it be hunting or farming. If someone has a collateral purpose and is stockpiling firearms that is something the authorities should know about.
Registration will enable the authorities to have access to that information. The police want it. I want to know why the hon. member will not support the police in the work they are trying to do to achieve a safer country.