View From the Legislature

The increase in violent crime in recent months across Canada has resulted in the increased seizure of guns that are used in the commission of crime. This illegal use of guns is not only concerning to the police but can also alarm law abiding citizens who feel they may be put at risk.

Our government recognizes that investing in seizing and tracing guns that are used in crime delivers both safer streets and important evidence for law enforcement. That is why we are focusing our resources on illegal gun activity rather than on law abiding gun owners like farmers and hunters. The most recent example of this came earlier this month when I was pleased to make an announcement together with the Winnipeg Police Service (WPS) that new funding was being allocated to help WPS members restore serial numbers on guns that have been taken off the street.

Often guns that are retrieved as part of crime investigations have their serial numbers obliterated. Officers with the WPS Organized Crime Division note that firearms that have their serial numbers removed have usually been used in the commission of a crime or have been smuggled or trafficked. The ability to retrieve these serial numbers is critical in determining where the guns came from and for evidence if they were used in crime.

The funding that has been provided to assist Winnipeg Police Service members in purchasing equipment and to undergo training in serial number retrieval is important but could not be done without partnerships. Representatives of the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) have been instrumental in offering training to Winnipeg Police Service members in restoring serial numbers that have been removed from firearms.

This partnership between our two countries is critically important and was demonstrated by the fact that the United States Consul General, Bryan Koontz, joined me at the funding announcement. Working on matters such as gun smuggling and human trafficking is a recognition that for those who are committing crime, the border between our two nations is often not a barrier. We are committed to continuing to look for partnerships to reduce crime that occurs across our shared international border.

Manitoba remains committed to targeting those who use guns for illegal purposes and who traffic in illegal weapons. We know that the vast majority of Canadian gun owners are law abiding citizens and that by targeting those who use weapons in crime, we are making a meaningful impact in keeping our communities safe. Thank you to law enforcement across the province and our partners internationally for helping to make these types of initiatives possible.