Toronto: Mayor Tory's statement on new federal firearms legislation

"Today, the Government of Canada introduced legislation to tighten restrictions on gun sales and to crack down on illegal handguns and assault weapons.

As Mayor of Toronto, I believe it is my job to stand up for Toronto and all its residents. A major part of that job includes advocating for gun control that makes sense – that keeps guns off of our streets, out of the hands of criminals, and away from killing or injuring innocent people.

Earlier this month, I was in Ottawa at a summit hosted by Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale to call on the government to toughen up Canada's gun laws to reduce gun trafficking, in particular domestic gun trafficking.

The legislation Minister Goodale has tabled today looks to enhance background checks on those trying to buy firearms and urges retailers to keep adequate records to assist police investigations into domestic gun trafficking. It also would add more rules around how restricted and prohibited firearms, like handguns and assault weapons, are moved through the community.

This is a good start for a national discussion on improving our gun laws and, in the weeks ahead, I hope to see the government look at further strengthening the rules to keep guns off our streets.

It is long past time to take bold action to fight domestic gun trafficking.

This isn’t about punishing those who obey the law. Those who obey the law have nothing to fear. This is about tightening and toughening our laws so we prevent loopholes that can be exploited by criminals."

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