Madam Speaker, I would like to make sure that we go back to basic principles here. The member has to appreciate that we are talking about a public health and safety issue.
The public support is quite enormous. In the most recent poll that I have seen, over 76% have suggested that they are very much in support of the program. They are concerned about firearms being in the hands of those who should not have them. It clearly has been shown that we can reduce domestic violence by taking firearms out of the home.
To date over 4,000 potential licensees have either had their licences revoked or refused. Screening is a very important part of the process to make sure that we protect the families we consider so dear.
The hon. member has to appreciate that the public support is behind this program for a good reason. This is not a program that is directed at hunters nor is it some ill thought out plan. It is a positive and beneficial program.