Since Bill C-21 was re-tabled in May 2022, the OFAH has been working to keep the hunting community informed and advocating for the concerns of responsible gun owners.
CLICK HERE to check out our Firearms Issues page for a more detailed breakdown.
Recently, amendments were proposed that would significantly broaden the scope of the definition of a ‘prohibited firearm’ and capture several models of popular hunting rifles and shotguns. In the days that followed, we created a web-based form that people could use to send their comments directly to their Member of Parliament that was used by nearly 13,000 people.
Additionally, over the past several weeks, we have been in contact with MPs from different political parties providing OFAH input and recommendations on Bill C-21 and the amendments, and today we’d like to update you on some recent OFAH action.
PUSH ON THE PROVINCE
On December 2, 2022, we sent a letter to Premier Doug Ford asking urging his government to take a public position on Bill C-21, with consideration for the impacts of the proposed amendments on the hunting community, industry, and Indigenous peoples, as well as the finite capacity and competing priorities faced by the police forces that would be required to enforce the new Bill.
RECOMENDATIONS TO THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT
Earlier this week, we sent the federal government a suite of recommendations on how to fix the Bill and the underlying issues with consultation and broader public and political discussion on firearms in Canada. Among other things, we are asking the government to stop banning firearms based on type or model, repeal the proposed amendments that impact long guns used for hunting, target criminals, and try to educate Canadians and Parliamentarians on Canada’s gun laws.
CLICK HERE to view our recommendations in full.