While measures to limit handguns is a good thing, the latest federal legislation doesn’t solve the ongoing problem of gang violence, says Delta Police Chief Neil Dubord.
In an update on the proposed Bill C-21, Dubord told the Delta Police Board at its June 22 meeting that the proposed freeze on handguns by this September has recently resulted in British Columbians scrambling to obtain a handgun.
He also noted there continues to be a need for ongoing investment in communities to prevent gun and gang violence by all levels of government.
“We still believe that although any kind of firearm legislation is obviously supported by (police) chiefs, we do believe that this doesn’t stop the illegal importation of guns that are going to gangs…we still look to the province and federal government to assist us with legislative enactments that assist us with illegal importation of guns and dealing with gang members and gang violence,” said Dubord.
His report to the board notes, “Such investments need to be coordinated, with stakeholders and the various systems working hand-in-hand, rather than in silos, exploring the various researched and documented root causes of gun and gang violence, especially related to at-risk youth and the associated introduction of meaningful and impactful prevention initiatives.”
To come into effect this fall, the legislation, among other things, will result in a national freeze on sales, purchases, transfers and importation of handguns to stop the growth of personally-owned handguns, with some exemptions.
One of the other objectives is to combat firearms smuggling and trafficking through increased criminal penalties, providing law enforcement with more tools to investigate firearms crimes and strengthening border security measures.
Dubord’s report also notes that the DPD remains committed to working with its stakeholders and law enforcement partners to implement the C-21 measures as they come into effect.
The DPD will wait for further clarification on the police's role in enforcing the proposed new regulations.
