Statement by Mayor Fred Eisenberger on new federal firearms legislation

I strongly support new firearms-control legislation introduced by the federal government that, if passed, would mean welcome reforms of Canada’s gun control laws including a freeze on the import, sale, and transfer of handguns.

I have long advocated for such measures and I wish to publicly thank Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino for taking strong action in this way to stem gun violence.

Hamilton, Canada’s 10th largest city, has experienced an increasing number of disturbing incidents of gun violence which are unacceptable to our community and I stand with those advocating for tougher measures. Bill C-21 is a significant and positive step forward.

Too many violent incidents involve handguns which make their way across the border with the U.S. to Canada and I strongly support the enhanced border security measures proposed by the government.

Poverty reduction, creating equitable opportunities and positive community engagement are also keys to preventing gun violence. However, strong measures that reduce the prevalence, sale and trade of handguns through both illegal and legal means are urgently needed.

I also strongly support other elements of C-21 including the automatic removal of gun licences from people committing domestic violence or engaged in criminal harassment such as stalking, the “red flag” measure which would require people who are considered a danger to themselves or others to surrender their firearms to police, and the mandatory alteration of long-gun magazines so that they may contain no more than five rounds of ammunition.

I firmly believe that handguns have no place in Hamilton and my hope is that Bill-C21 becomes law and is implemented as soon as possible.