Mr. Speaker, amnesties could be declared as part of the implementation of the firearms act and the new part of the Criminal Code. In 1992, for instance, an amnesty was successful in removing over 28,000 firearms and 700,000 rounds of ammunition. The declaration of amnesty, however, must be made with the support of provincial authorities and local police. An amnesty would be costly, as it would involve the manipulation of firearms and the issuance of receipts.
In the past, the purpose of amnesties under the Criminal Code was to encourage people to surrender unwanted firearms or ammunition without liability, whether they were lawfully or unlawfully held. The power to declare amnesties under the Criminal Code may be used in the future in the implementation of the new part of the code or the firearms act.
There are advantages and disadvantages to amnesties. The advantages are that amnesties have resulted in the turnover of numerous unwanted firearms. They allow people to turn over unwanted and potentially dangerous firearms. They reduce the number of unused firearms which could ultimately end up being stolen and in criminal hands. The disadvantages are that they can be expensive to administer and the guns must be carried manually. They require the participation and co-operation of police services and provincial authorities. The disposal of the firearms can be costly and problematic.
The firearms initiative is planned on a cost recovery basis and the impact of several factors, such as compensation, must be carefully considered before an amnesty is declared.
The new legislation already provides for transitional periods for individuals who will be able to apply for a licence and register their firearms.
There is no immediate need for an amnesty and officials from the department will monitor the implementation of the act and advise the minister accordingly should the need arise for an amnesty in the future.