In support of gun owners

I am a frustrated and disheartened licensed firearms owner responding to the federal government’s recent decision to expand the list of prohibited firearms in Canada.

Whether you are a supporter of hunting and legal firearms use or not, I implore you to consider my words and hear my frustration. As someone who has undergone extensive background checks, training and regular monitoring to legally own and responsibly use firearms, I feel unfairly targeted by legislation that prioritizes aesthetics over functionality and fails to address the root causes of gun violence.

The government claims the newly banned firearms, such as the .22 caliber GSG-16 and Mossberg 715T, are unfit for civilian use. Yet, these firearms operate identically to the Savage Model 64 that sits in my safe at home, a semi-automatic .22 caliber hunting rifle still deemed legal.

The only distinction? Appearance. The banned models have a “??tactical”? look, yet all three share almost the same capabilities, firing rates, ammunition type, round velocity and energy, magazine capacities, and practical applications for small game hunting and target shooting.

This approach of judging firearms by their looks rather than their function is not only illogical but alienates responsible owners who follow the law.

The data paints a clear picture. A 2018 RCMP report shows 79% of firearms used in crimes originate from illegal sources, often smuggled into Canada from the U.S.

Legal gun owners, who hold possession and acquisition licenses (PALs), undergo rigorous checks and daily scrutiny through the Canadian Police Information Centre database. We are among the most law-abiding citizens in this country.

Studies repeatedly show that PAL holders are far less likely to commit crimes than the general population. And yet, instead of addressing the primary sources of gun violence, ??gang activity, smuggling and illegally acquired firearms, the government has chosen to vilify lawful owners with arbitrary bans.

These measures do little to prevent crime and do much to erode trust between lawful gun owners and the government. If the intent is truly to enhance public safety, why not focus resources on strengthening border security, increasing penalties for gang violence and cracking down on firearms trafficking?

Why waste time and taxpayer money targeting a community that is already under strict scrutiny and overwhelmingly compliant with the law?

Canada’s licensed gun owners are not the enemy. We are hunters, sports shooters and conservationists who respect the responsibility that comes with firearm ownership. We are neighbours, friends, fathers, mothers, sons, daughters and everything in between. We are avid outdoorsmen and nature lovers.

I urge readers to consider the facts and question why our government chooses to target law-abiding citizens while overlooking the true sources of gun violence.

This is not only ineffective policy but also a profound disservice to public safety and justice. I assure you, I want to live in a safe society where we can all go to the mall, to school and out in public and not be fearful of being hurt or killed by a firearm. But taking away a seemingly arbitrary set of hunting rifles from licensed owners is not the answer.

Use your voices and ask your elected officials to focus on border security, illegal smuggling, increased prison sentences for firearm offences and assaults and a crackdown on gangs.

Even if you disagree with everything I’ve written on the premise you don’t like guns, please, at the very least, consider my words, because as you may have issues close to your heart, this is close to mine, and right now my heart is hurting.

Tristen Ramsay, Kelowna