Proceedings of the Standing Senate Committee on
Legal and
Constitutional Affairs
Issue 48 - Twenty-First Report of the Committee
Thursday, February 20, 1997
The Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs has the honour to table its
TWENTY-FIRST REPORT
Your Committee, to which was referred the Regulations pursuant to Section 118 of the Firearms Act, has, in obedience to the Order of Reference of Wednesday, November 27, 1996, examined the said Regulations and now reports as follows:
Your Committee heard a number of witnesses, many of whom travelled at great inconvenience to come before us and present their views. The following are some of the recommendations made by witnesses which your Committee feels should be brought to the attention of the Minister of Justice.
Recommendation 1
That extensive educational programs on the requirements imposed by the legislation, directed particularly at firearm owners but also to the general public, precede and accompany the implementation of the legislation. These education programs should not be limited to the requirements imposed by the legislation, they should also include information on the rationale behind such requirements, particularly those dealing with the storage, display, transportation and handling of firearms. Particular attention should be given to the need of ensuring the key or combination to a locking device is not readily accessible to a non-authorized user. Materials used for these programs should be set out in plain language.
Recommendation 2
That the Department of Justice keep detailed statistics and conduct comprehensive studies regarding firearms related issues. These should focus on the effectiveness of the legislation and particularly the regulations. Information gathered by inquests dealing with firearms related incidents or deaths should form part of these studies.
Recommendation 3
That further consultations be held between the Department of Justice and members of the theatrical, film and television industry in order that the concerns of this industry be addressed in these and future regulations. One of the areas where additional consideration is required is with respect to new classes of business licence fees that would provide for reduced fees for businesses that limit their activities to only some of the prohibited items.
Recommendation 4
That no fees be charged to aboriginal peoples to obtain possession only licences, possession and acquisition licences and registration certificates. In addition, fees should be waived for aboriginal people with respect to the Canadian Firearms Safety Course.
Recommendation 5
That the costs associated with compliance of the legislation for aboriginal peoples, such as photographic facilities and the administration of the Canadian Firearms Safety Course be funded by the government.
Recommendation 6
That aboriginal communities be involved to the greatest extent possible in the implementation of the legislation. This should include the encouragement by the federal government of the naming of aboriginal firearms officers who will be more sensitive to aboriginal traditions and concerns.
Recommendation 7
That consultations be ongoing with aboriginal groups to ensure that implementation of the legislation and the regulations take into account their concerns.
Respectfully submitted,
SHARON CARSTAIRS
Chair