Stricter Gun Laws Ahead

Royal assent received

C-21
December 15, 2023 (a year ago)
Canadian Federal
Marco Mendicino
Liberal
House of Commons
Royal assent
10 Votes
Full Title: An Act to amend certain Acts and to make certain consequential amendments (firearms)
Social Issues
Criminal Justice
Economics

Summary

Bill C-21 is an extensive piece of legislation in Canada aimed at amending existing laws primarily related to firearms regulations. Its key components include increasing penalties for certain weapon offenses, creating stricter conditions around firearms licenses, and altering regulations concerning the transfer, importation, and possession of firearms and their components. The bill also introduces measures to allow for emergency prohibition orders against individuals deemed a risk to themselves or others, enhances the authority of law enforcement concerning firearms, and includes provisions regarding the handling of firearms at high-security nuclear sites.

What it means for you

For individuals, this bill could mean stricter limitations on who can possess firearms and harsher penalties for those who commit firearms-related crimes. People with protection orders or those convicted of domestic violence would be prohibited from holding firearms licenses. Additionally, individuals seeking to acquire or transfer firearms may face more stringent background checks.

For those involved in firearms ownership or sales, managing compliance with the new regulations regarding transfers and the prohibition of certain firearm parts may become more complicated. Retailers must also be aware that advertising firearms in a manner that promotes violence could result in legal consequences.

Expenses

The financial impact of this bill may vary. Gun owners may face higher costs associated with compliance, such as:

  • Transfer Fees: Costs related to the transfer of firearms or firearm parts, which are now more tightly controlled.
  • Licensing Fees: Increased fees for obtaining or renewing licenses, including additional background checks.
  • Legal Costs: Potential legal fees if facing prosecution for violating the new regulations.

On the enforcement side, the government may incur additional expenses related to monitoring compliance with the new regulations, training law enforcement, and administrative costs associated with updated reporting and tracking requirements.

Proponents' View

Supporters of Bill C-21 argue that the legislation is necessary to enhance public safety and reduce gun violence. They believe stricter regulations and increased penalties will deter individuals from committing firearms offenses. Proponents also emphasize the importance of ensuring that only responsible individuals have access to firearms, particularly in the context of domestic violence. They view the establishment of emergency prohibition orders as a critical tool for protecting vulnerable individuals from potential harm.

Opponents' View

Opponents of the bill raise concerns that it may overreach by imposing unnecessarily stringent regulations on lawful gun owners. They argue that the legislation could criminalize responsible ownership and that the measures may disproportionately affect law-abiding citizens without effectively addressing the root causes of gun violence. Additionally, there are fears that the increased financial burdens associated with compliance may hinder legal gun ownership and potentially push some firearm owners to the black market. Critics also caution that the focus on firearms regulation should not overshadow other strategies needed to address crime and violence.

In conclusion, while Bill C-21 seeks to strengthen Canadian firearms laws, it presents a complex landscape of benefits and challenges for individuals, businesses, and law enforcement alike.

Original Bill

Votes

Vote 333

That the bill be now read a third time and do pass.

For (64%)
Against (35%)
Paired (1%)
Vote 162

That in relation to Bill C-21, An Act to amend certain Acts and to make certain consequential amendments (firearms), not more than five further hours shall be allotted to the consideration at second reading stage of the said bill; and That, at the expiry of the five hours provided consideration at second reading stage of the said bill, any proceedings before the House shall be interrupted, if required for the purpose of this order, and, in turn, every question necessary for the disposal of the said stage of the bill shall be put forthwith and successively, without further debate or amendment.

For (53%)
Against (47%)
Vote 332

That the motion be amended by deleting all the words after the word “That” and substituting the following: “Bill C-21, An Act to amend certain Acts and to make certain consequential amendments (firearms), be not now read a third time, but be referred back to the Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security for the purpose of reconsidering Clauses 0.1, 1.1 and 17 with the view to ensure that the government cannot take away hunting rifles from law-abiding farmers, hunters and Indigenous peoples.”.

For (34%)
Against (65%)
Paired (1%)
Vote 330

That Bill C-21, An Act to amend certain Acts and to make certain consequential amendments (firearms), as amended, be concurred in at report stage with further amendments.

For (63%)
Against (34%)
Paired (2%)
Vote 328

The information is not available at this time.

For (63%)
Against (34%)
Paired (2%)
Vote 173

That the motion be amended by deleting all the words after the word “That” and substituting the following: “Bill C-21, An Act to amend certain Acts and to make certain consequential amendments (firearms), be not now read a second time but that the order be discharged, the bill withdrawn, and the subject matter thereof referred to the Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security.”.

For (36%)
Against (64%)
Paired (1%)
Vote 172

That the amendment be amended by adding the following: “; and that the committee report back no later than 10 sitting days following the adoption of this motion.”.

For (36%)
Against (64%)
Paired (1%)
Vote 174

That the bill be now read a second time and referred to the Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security.

For (64%)
Against (36%)
Paired (1%)
Vote 329

The information is not available at this time.

For (98%)
Paired (2%)
Vote 327

The information is not available at this time.

For (34%)
Against (63%)
Paired (2%)