In response to the frequent and horrific mass shootings that are plaguing the United States, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau introduced new legislation to tighten gun control laws in Canada.
The new bill will make it illegal for Canadians to buy, sell, transfer, or import handguns anywhere in Canada. It is expected to be implemented this fall after being passed by Parliament. Canada has already introduced measures to ban over 1,500 military-style assault weapons, and expanded background checks to ensure that guns stay out of the wrong hands.
“We are capping the number of handguns in this country,” Trudeau declared at the press conference in Ottawa, where he announced the new measures.
If an individual truly wants to keep their assault weapon, it will have to be completely inoperable.
What about guns smuggled in from the States?
Guns are often smuggled into Canada from its southern neighbor, the United States. To fight the issue of smuggling and trafficking, the new legislation increases criminal penalties and strengthens border measures.
It will also confiscate firearms from individuals involved in acts of domestic violence or criminal harassment.
