The National Gun Registry

There is a lot of debate about whether the gun registry should be abolished: “it is expensive, "real" criminals don't register their guns; gang violence is the biggest threat anyway”. There is more to the story.

According to RCMP statistics, long guns are the most common type of firearm used in spousal homicide. When someone decides to kill their partner, the weapon of choice is often what is closest at hand and already in the home. Limiting individuals’ access to guns and removing them from the home when necessary because police have been called to scene of a fight, can save lives. If someone has a history of violence, should an effort be made to limit that person’s access to a gun? Statistics say yes.

Between 1991, when the registry was introduced, and 2007, the murder rate of women by firearms dropped 67%. And it isn't just about women, the total murder rate by rifles and shotguns declined 76%. In contrast, during the same period of time, murders of women without firearms dropped only slightly. The registry takes guns out of the hands of potential criminals. Canadian Police Associations also support the gun registry saying that it has become an important tool for officers who consult the database on average 6,500 times a day.

How much is something like that worth? Although costs soared for the initial set-up of the database, a 2004 Report of the Commissioner of Firearms indicates that the cost of maintaining it continues to decline. The cost to the taxpayer would be further reduced if the government had not lost revenue by waiving registration fees. When talking about abolishing the arms registry consider the 67% drop in the number of women murdered. Recognize that the criminals are not just gang members but also some gun owners who use their hunting rifles to murder their partners or exes.

What can you do?

When you hear people debating the issue, tell them about the statistics. Consult the Coalition for Gun Control on-line for more information (www.guncontrol.ca). Write a letter to your MP telling them you are against bill C-391. Sign the petition at Avante. Get involved and speak up so that all sides are considered.