One Step Closer to Ending the Long Gun Registry

For Immediate Release                                                 November 5, 2009 

Ottawa, Ontario:  Blaine Calkins, MP for Wetaskiwin is pleased that the repeal of the Firearms Registry is now a step closer to reality.

On Wednesday, November 4th, a Private Member’s Bill (C-391) sponsored by Candice Hoeppner, the Conservative MP for the riding of Portage-Lisgar, received approval at Second Reading in the House of Commons.  The Bill is clear and straightforward and reflects the Federal Government’s position to repeal the long-gun registry.

“Since first taking office in 2006, our Conservative government has been clear: unfairly targeting law-abiding farmers and hunters is the wrong way to fight crime.  It was wrong when the Liberals introduced it in 1997 and it’s still wrong now,” said Calkins.

Until yesterday, all of our attempts to repeal it were stopped by the Opposition Parties led by NDP Leader Jack Layton and Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff who were unequivocal in their support for the wasteful and ineffective long-gun registry.  It took a Conservative Party ad campaign in the home ridings of rural opposition MPs to force them to vote to protect the local way of life for their constituents.  The Bill passed by a narrow margin of 164-137.

“The Bill has many hurdles to face before it becomes law but this is a really positive start,” said Calkins.  “I am looking forward to the day when we can put an end to this billion-dollar Liberal boondoggle - once and for all.”

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For information please contact:

Blaine Calkins, MP

403-783-5530

613-995-8886