Following the devastating mass shooting at a school in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, where nine were killed and many more injured, there’s renewed scrutiny of Canada's gun ownership laws. Currently, the ownership of firearms is federally regulated, with tighter controls compared to many US states. In Canada, guns must be stored locked and unloaded, and extensive background checks are mandatory for anyone wishing to purchase firearms.
As of government statistics in 2021, over 2.2 million Canadians hold firearm licenses, amidst an estimated 10 million firearms in circulation. British Columbia reportedly has the highest handgun ownership rates in the country.
The fear of gun violence has led to a national freeze on the sale of handguns since 2022. While mass shootings are infrequent, gun-related killings remain significantly higher than in some other countries like England, Wales, or Australia.
This tragic incident is not isolated; Canada has seen several other mass shootings in recent years, raising questions about potential updates to its gun laws. The time might be ripe for discussions about how to strengthen legislation aimed at preventing such horrific events in the future.
As of government statistics in 2021, over 2.2 million Canadians hold firearm licenses, amidst an estimated 10 million firearms in circulation. British Columbia reportedly has the highest handgun ownership rates in the country.
The fear of gun violence has led to a national freeze on the sale of handguns since 2022. While mass shootings are infrequent, gun-related killings remain significantly higher than in some other countries like England, Wales, or Australia.
This tragic incident is not isolated; Canada has seen several other mass shootings in recent years, raising questions about potential updates to its gun laws. The time might be ripe for discussions about how to strengthen legislation aimed at preventing such horrific events in the future.
