Bill C-68: Gun Control.
By: Hamid Dehnad
Gun Control (Bill-C68) is a highly controversial issue in Canada. This essay will examine both sides of the controversy by presenting information surrounding the topic. Giving that the subject of Gun Control and its legality is an emotional one, this paper will provide the reader with a objective and clear picture of the issue. If bill C-68 becomes law, Canada will be a safer place.
There are many views on whether guns should be banned. The views on this subject are numerous. On one side guns should be banded from Canada. Supporters of the bill include police chiefs, woman’s organizations, victim’s groups and various others. They believe this for one simply reason, guns have only one function and that is to hurt or to kill people. If guns are banned then it would make Canada a safer place. People who support bill C-68 note that firearms are responsible for 1400 deaths in Canada each year. Of these, 75 percent are suicides and 15 percent are homicides. Firearms are also a leading cause of deaths among teens. By making guns illegal to own, there would be a dramatic drop in gun-related crimes and Canada would be a safer place to live in. This is a treory calculated my the government.
Many people of the public feel that guns should not be banned from Canada. People like guns salesmen. They believe this because they think that the people who use guns on a legal basis will suffer like hunters, target shooters, and gun collectors. They fear that their hobbies or their favorite sports will become illegal. The National Firearms Association with 100 000 members states that the new law will make it more difficult for Canadians to defend themselves and their property. They also state that criminals, who buy their guns illegally, will be encouraged to commit more crimes because the public who obey the law will not have any weapons to defend themselves, therefore making an easy target.
There are many consequences of having guns in the hands of the public. There are many advantages and disadvantages of having guns remain in Canada. One advantage is that hunters, target shooters, and gun collectors can do what they like to do best, for example people who like to practice their hobbies or sports. Guns can relieve stress to many Canadians who like to practice legal gun use. Also Canadians can protect themselves and their property from criminals. The disadvantages of this are very serious. Guns are responsible for 1400 deaths and are a leading cause in teen deaths as already mentioned. Guns are used in many illegal activities, therefore increasing the crime rate in Canada resulting in unsafe streets. Guns have only one function and that is to bring forth harm or death.
In conclusion, both sides present good points and had good arguments. Will gun control make Canada a safer place or is it a restriction of individual freedom? Will bill C-68 reduce criminal activity or will it increase it? It is a risk that the government is willing to take. Only time will provide the outcome of these events.