MP Encouraged by Support for Bill to End Long-Gun Registry

OTTAWA, ON – Candice Hoeppner, Member of Parliament for Portage—Lisgar,  is pleased to announce  the Saskatoon Police Association and the Saskatchewan Federation of Police Officers (SFPO) support her Private Member’s Bill, C-391, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and Firearms Act (repeal of long-gun registry).

“This demonstration of support speaks to how important my bill is to Canadians that so many people including front line police officers and police associations are voicing their support to end the long-gun registry,” said Hoeppner. 

The SFPO represents over 1,100 men and women working for six municipal police agencies in Saskatchewan.

Hoeppner noted that the expressions of support by Canadian police officers indicate that efforts to end the long-gun registry are far greater than the President of the Canadian Police Association and the President of the Canadian Chiefs of Police Association would have the public believe.

Police Associations are not the only ones speaking out.  Bill C-391 has garnered support from New Democratic Party Members Bruce Hyer and John Rafferty, who last spring issued a joint press release expressing their support for the legislation.

“I am encouraged that my bill has the support not only of my Conservative colleagues but also members of the Opposition,” stated Hoeppner.  “Working together with all Members of Parliament, Police Associations, and the people of Canada, we can put an end to the wasteful long-gun registry.”

The bill will repeal the requirement to register non-restricted long-guns. Individuals will still be required to have a valid firearms license, and go through a police background check and safety training in order to purchase or possess firearms and to purchase ammunition. Individuals will also continue to be required to register prohibited and restricted firearms, such as handguns.

For more information regarding police association support for Bill C-391, please contact the following:

·         Saskatoon Police Association

Stan Goertzen, President

Ph: (306) 652-5662, (306) 227-5667

Murray Grismer, Firearms Spokesman

Ph: (306) 931-2926, (306) 222-7874

·         Saskatchewan Federation of Police Officers

Evan Bray, President

Bernie Eiswirth, Executive Director

Ph: (306) 539-0960