Canada: NDP leader Singh urges Trudeau govt to allow cities to put ban on handguns

In a lengthy letter to Trudeau, Singh said the federal government should not pose as an obstacle to several municipal leaders who want to ban handguns.

The letter, which has been quoted by CTV News, reads, "The federal government should not stand in the way of municipal leaders who know their communities best, and want to ban these weapons to keep their residents safe."

Singh also added that the federal government must invest $100 million per year on efforts to combat gang violence.

Also the NDP leader mentioned funds should be utilised to curb the cross-border guns smuggling. In that case, more resources should be given to the Canada Border Services Agency, said Singh.

The NDP leader, however, does not approve more policing as a long term solution to gun violence. He believes more policing will create mistrust between police and radicalised communities, indigenous people and those struggling with mental illness.

In the wake of the Toronto mass shooting last month, the federal government said it is planning to crack down on handguns.

The shooting, which took place at Danforth Avenue on July 22, claimed two lives and left 13 people injured.

Ontario police watchdog Special Investigations Unit (SIU) has identified the man behind Sunday’s shooting rampage as Faisal Hussain, 29.

The police said Hussain was found dead, with a gunshot wound, after an encounter with officers.

(Reporting by Suman Das)