We must say no to U.S.-style gun lobby rhetoric

Beware of Canadian advocates for looser laws, Christopher Holcroft says.

Montrealers, led by courageous young students, are marching today in solidarity with victims of gun violence in U.S. schools and in support of common sense gun laws. They deserve our support.

Canadians can look to our neighbours with a mixture of shock and sadness. Consider the latest descent into madness: Following the tragic shooting in Parkland, Fla., the most significant response proposed by President Donald Trump was to arm teachers.

Far from being typical Trump tripe, this seems like deliberate obfuscation of the gun debate, consistent with the National Rifle Association’s aggressive approach to the issue. In a political environment where economic anxiety and fake news are leading some people to more closely identify with their guns, there is a troubling alignment between the kind of openly illiberal commentary spewed by online agitators and the more polished messages of the NRA.

As Canada revisits its own gun control legislation, we should not be complacent as to the infiltration of American gun lobby rhetoric and tactics into our politics — particularly given the increasing number of firearm-related homicides, from 179 in 2015 to 223 in 2016, according to Statistics Canada.

In recent years, an emboldened gun lobby has sought to shift the discourse around guns in Canada. Echoing the language of the NRA, Canadian advocates for looser gun laws speak of “freedom,” “self-defence” and property rights.

Not surprisingly, there is a strong presence of local and foreign weapons manufacturers backing the lobby. Such corporations are, of course, the ultimate profiteer from the proliferation of guns in Canada. It is unlikely the average hunter or hobbyist is concerned about international arms treaties or restrictions on a semiautomatic weapon, and it is the gun lobby that is agitating when their products are negatively intersecting with a number of important societal issues.

Positioning guns as a selfprotection measure has long had a racially charged context in the U.S. The death of an Indigenous man killed by a gun and the recent acquittal of the man charged in connection have reminded us that Canada is not immune to such possibilities. Just as heightened awareness of mental health issues is creating hope for a comprehensive societal response, we are advised of the elevated risk of suicide when guns are accessible. While the #MeToo movement has brought much needed attention to violence against women, the reality is that women are still more likely to be threatened with a gun.

Then there is the mixing of violent rhetoric with violent acts. In this province, we do not have to look far or go back a long time to recall the tragic consequences of combining hate and guns.

The gun lobby in Canada has stealthily sought to redefine the policy landscape, employing a number of tactics. From the abolishment of the federal gun registry and destruction of collected data — despite the pleadings from law enforcement officers — to the attempt to lift the restrictions on the AR-15 semi-automatic weapon, to efforts to scuttle Canada’s participation in a global arms treaty.

Most recently, a rally against gun control was attempted at the park commemorating the 14 victims of the École Polytechnique shooting. It was cancelled only after a public outcry.

We should expect fierce opposition to the federal government’s latest proposals to reduce gun violence. Already, some backbench MPs have expressed nervousness.

Canadians cannot wait for the next policy fight, outrageous act, or tragedy to engage in dialogue and advocacy. We owe it to victims — and to our own commitment to civic responsibility — to continue to talk about gun control and not cede the debate to the gun lobby.

We can respectfully listen to each other. We can advocate to our MPs. We can also join a march.

For more about the international protest and the Montreal march, consult marchforourlives.com.