Doug Ford and gun control
Just because he’s a conservative doesn’t mean the premier can’t do something
You can’t accuse Doug Ford of being inactive. Despite spending long hours fighting with the feds, dealing with sexual misconduct scandals and holding show trials of the Kathleen Wynne Liberals, our busy premier still has enough energy to dismantle government programs and eliminate officers of the legislature.
Ford’s activist streak stops, however, when it comes to gun control — implementing a handgun ban to be exact. Although Toronto has already experienced over 90 murders this year, the majority gun related, the premier continues to argue that a ban would discriminate against responsible handgun owners.
Ford has also noted that a similar ban isn’t working in Chicago where his family business has operations. We will have to forgive him for failing to notice that Chicago hasn’t had a handgun ban for eight years.
Banning handguns is not some hypothetical proposal. In response to growing concern over gun violence, federal Border Security Minister Bill Blair has been conducting national consultations on the wisdom of banning handguns and assault weapons.
Supporters point to studies that show restricting access to firearms lowers gun-related murders and suicides. The number of legal handguns in Canada has doubled over the last decade to nearly one million, creating an enormous opportunity for misuse and theft. Within Toronto alone, more and more guns used in crimes are being traced back to Canadian owners.
Although a ban on handguns and assault weapons will never completely eradicate gun violence, it could make a difference. Over the last decade many of our strict gun laws have been weakened and we have an opportunity to swing the pendulum back. And let’s face it, when we talk of handguns and assault weapons, we are not talking about hunters or farmers.
Blair’s consultations are wrapping up and although the City of Toronto is solidly onside, the Ford government has maintained its firm opposition.
Nothing to see here, many of you might be thinking.
Ford is a conservative politician. Isn’t there some rule somewhere that conservatives have to oppose gun control? Kind of like progressives have to be in favour of marijuana legalization and medical assistance in dying.
Why do we allow ourselves to think that way?
When we identify with a particular place on the political spectrum, why do we automatically feel a need to adopt a predetermined list of positions on major issues with little thought or reflection — what the thinker James Mumford has aptly called Package Deal Ethics. Why should someone concerned about immigration levels automatically oppose a carbon tax? Why should a strong environmentalist automatically be happy with large deficits?
Yes, there is a conservative case for gun control based on personal liberty and small government. However, there is an equally compelling case based on other conservative values such as law and order, as well as limited government spending. Reduced gun crime means fewer resources needed for the police, courts and medical services.
Conservatives have also been known to support limiting minority rights in the name of the common good (think of the Niqab ban at citizenship ceremonies). Why are they offended at the prospect of curbing gun owner’s rights in the name of public safety?
The premier might also learn what other successful politicians have realized: rejecting package deal ethics can enhance someone’s political stature. As the old saying goes, “only Nixon could go to China.” In Ford’s case, his strong support among conservative voters would make him a key player in any national discussions about a possible handgun ban. He could work to ensure a realistic and thoughtful implementation and might even identify areas for compromise.
Ontarians are concerned. News stories about shooting rampages and scenes reminiscent of the Wild West are destroying Toronto’s reputation as New York run by the Swiss.
The Ford government has made fighting gun violence a priority and earmarked $25 million over four years to combat guns and gangs in Toronto. Maybe it’s time to drop the package deal ethics and work with the feds to implement a ban on handguns and military assault weapons.