Bill C-71 won’t make us safer

Re: “Liberals’ shot at gun control satisfies no one” (Opinion, March 28)

Bill C-71 is part of the Liberal government’s effort to fulfil its election promise to “get handguns and assault weapons off our streets.”

The problem is C-71 has nothing in it to accomplish that, while at the same time it puts yet more restrictions and bureaucratic hurdles in front of licensed hunters, farmers and sport shooters — a community that has a proven track record of safety and extremely low instances of criminality.

Criminals and gang members, who commit the vast majority of gun crimes, do not apply for licences.

“Enhanced background checks” sounds positive, but how will that work and at what cost in resources?

There is already a hotline for anyone to call and report a friend, family member or stranger whom they believe to be a danger to themselves or the public.

How is extra paperwork for licensed gun owners going to “get handguns and assault weapons off our streets,” exactly? This is just a pointless waste of taxpayer resources.

Meanwhile, the federal government is ending its funding of CeaseFire Halifax, a non-profit community-based group that works directly with those at risk of being involved in gang violence.

With C-71, the Liberal government is providing Canadians with hypocrisy and security theatre, not public safety.

Sébastien Smith, Beauharnois