Watson to consult with police chief on whether to seek handguns ban
Mayor Jim Watson would get advice from Ottawa police Chief Peter Sloly before deciding whether the city should pursue a ban on handguns under federal legislation, the mayor's office said.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced a proposed law on Tuesday that would give municipalities the power to create bylaws heavily restricting handguns, including banning handgun storage anywhere in the municipality. The bill was introduced in the House of Commons.
“Mayor Watson will take the time to review the federal government's proposal and consult with Chief Sloly, the Ottawa Police Board, Ottawa Public Health and Crime Prevention Ottawa regarding the implications of implementing bylaws to restrict handguns in the City of Ottawa,” said Patrick Champagne, the mayor's press secretary. “He looks forward to seeking the Chief's expert advice on the matter and their opinions on whether this initiative would be an effective way to reduce violent crimes in our community.”
Another council member has been more vocal about banning handguns.
Coun. Rawlson King put the issue at the foot of council shortly after he was elected in a 2019 byelection, calling for colleagues' support in asking for a handgun ban in the city.
King took on skeptics who argued a ban wouldn't have much impact. He has said a “general reduction of handguns in our city, legal or otherwise, will help in reducing gun crime.”
Gun-rights advocates criticized the move as unfairly targeting legal and responsible gun owners.
At first, it was an explosive issue at Ottawa City Hall, drawing gun-rights advocates to the doors in demonstration. Then it fizzled.
Council punted King's motion to the police services board for consideration, a move supported by King. The board dealt with it by calling for research on gun violence. A report came back on a larger set of public safety issues, including the use of security cameras.
On Tuesday, King said he'd prefer that the federal government takes a Canada-wide approach to banning handguns.
“While I would have been happier if the federal government had taken unilateral action to make handguns illegal across the country through a national handgun ban, I am partially gratified that it is proposing to provide cities the capacity to regulate the storage and transportation of handguns,” King said.
“I look forward to inquiring with city staff as to how the forthcoming legislative changes promised by the federal government might be functionally adopted by the municipality.”
While Ottawa city council hasn't taken a position on handguns, Toronto city council in 2019 voted overwhelmingly in support of calling for a national handgun ban.