Mr. Speaker, this government has had concerns with the proposed new gun control legislation as recently tabled by the federal government. We have had concerns about this proposed gun legislation from the time of the introduction of the federal government's action plan in November 1994.
After reviewing the intentions stated in the consultative package, we expressed our concerns relating to the requirement to obtain a firearms licence and the registration of all firearms, at that time, to the federal Minister of Justice by letter and in person. Other provincial governments and the Yukon territory also stated their concerns on this matter to the federal Minister during a meeting held in Victoria, British Columbia in January of this year. Bill C-68, An Act Respecting Firearms and Other Weapons which includes amendments to the Criminal Code and a new Firearms Act was introduced by the federal Minister of Justice on the 14th of February of this year. A review of this bill added additional concerns as to the impact this legislation will have.
The controls and conditions that are placed on the lending, selling and giving of firearms as well as the storage of the same, we believe, obstruct the traditional lifestyle of the Dene, the Metis and the Inuit people. Penalties which will occur if individuals are convicted of firearms offences are severe and may result in a term of imprisonment. Once again, I have stated my concerns relating to Bill C-68 to the federal Minister by letter. Issues surrounding this legislation are real and the proposed gun controls will have a negative impact on the freedom to fulfil a traditional lifestyle.
We support several aspects of the proposed legislation, for example: the sections dealing with the smuggling of firearms; the use of a firearm in the commission of an offence; restriction on handguns; and, a ban on military assault weapons are all recognized as required changes. However, the negative impact that will result from the concerns we have registered will outweigh the importance of these changes. We stated our concerns on the restrictions placed on the purchasing and transportation of ammunition to the federal Minister of Justice. These concerns have since been addressed by the federal government through changes to allow for purchasing flexibility.
In addition, we expressed concerns over the subject matter of the Canadian firearms safety course as being too complicated and overly technical and called for flexibility in the delivery of the course. As a result, the federal government is now working with our officials in the Department of Justice and the Department of Renewable Resources to make appropriate modifications. The proclamation date of the course will be deferred to January 1, 1996 in order to allow for the required changes to the course content. As a result of negotiations on the part of the Department of Justice, the federal government has accepted financial responsibility for the delivery and maintenance of the Canadian firearms safety course.
The federal Department of Justice has also assigned members of the firearms task force to consult with aboriginal and Inuit groups across Canada. The task force members will be visiting a number of communities in the Northwest Territories during the month of April 1995. These are positive things that have happened as a result of our intervention and we are pleased with the corrective action taken to date. However, the issues surrounding firearms registration and the penalties for firearm offenses are still outstanding. To deal with these issues, we have established a Caucus Subcommittee on Bill C-68. This committee is actively reviewing the concerns relating to gun control and taking steps to inform the public and community leader in a way which answers the questions which are most frequently asked. This committee will also make a presentation to the Standing Committee on Justice and Legal Affairs that are reviewing the proposed legislation.
Mr. Speaker, the impact that this proposed new gun control legislation will have on the people of the north should not be trivialized, nor should they be underestimated. It's my intention to continue to take steps necessary to see that the traditional ways of the Dene, the Metis and the Inuit people are respected and taken into full consideration by the federal government. I believe that our concerns will be heard and dealt with appropriately. Thank you.
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