The federal government has extended its list of banned firearms across the country, some of which are commonly used in the NWT and which won't make a difference, according to one Yellowknife resident.
The list features more than 300 makes and models that have been added to the prohibited weapons list. Several of those firearms are .22 calibre rifles.
Barry Taylor, a director at the Yellowknife Shooting Club, said banning that kind of gun lacks any real effect.
"It accomplishes nothing," said Taylor, describing a .22 calibre as the most basic gun, often used by beginners and seen at gun ranges for small calibre competitions. "It's the most common gun you'll find in the North."
Taylor explained people use those rifles typically for hunting ptarmigan, grouse, and other small game.
"These are not the guns criminals are using," he said.
The federal government made its announcement on Dec. 5, but noted it will provide a temporary exception for Indigenous peoples exercising a right under section 35 of the Constitution Act and for people using firearms for sustenance hunting. It also states that it intends to table regulatory amendments in Parliament today.
In a release announcing the new ban, the federal government will provide "fair compensation for businesses and owners affected by this prohibition, as well as the prohibition announced in May 2020."
"All firearms will be included in the Assault Style Firearms Compensation Program (ASFCP)," stated the release. "The first phase of the ASFCP process has already begun with a few businesses for testing and will be open to all firearms businesses across the country in the next few days. Firearms businesses will be notified on how and when to participate in the program."
Taylor said if .22 calibre rifles were banned, it would mean people in the NWT would need to find a new gun to hunt with, and certain competitions at the Yellowknife Shooting Club would have to be eliminated.
According to Statistics Canada, police services in the country reported about 14,000 firearm-related violent crimes in 2022. Also in that year, a nation-wide freeze on the sale, purchase and transfer of handguns by individuals within Canada was announced, as well as bringing acquired handguns into the country in October 21, 2022. The Liberals also plan to introduce regulations concerning large-capacity magazines in March 2025.
In 2022, Statistics Canada reports that the number of homicides by shooting was 343. In 2023,
SA国际影视传媒 reached out to NWT MP Michael McLeod for comment, but did not receive a reply as of press time.
