Honourable Member Fuhr,

I write to you today in on behalf of 2.1 million likeminded Canadians. 2.1 million law abiding, extraordinary, citizens who only wish to engage in their chosen hobbies and sports without fear of unnecessary government interference. Many of these law abiding citizens reside within the Okanagan. A large portion of them use firearms safely and legally every day; whether it be to provide food for their families, create jobs and increase local investment through guided hunting tours, supporting local businesses with their purchases, or defending their livestock from predators. I write to you in hopes that, should the time come, you stand with your constituents and legal firearms owners across Canada.

In the wake of the tragedy in Parkland, the current Liberal government has taken it upon itself to stand on the graves of 17 innocent victims in an attempt to railroad legal firearms owners across Canada simply to gain a small increase in poll numbers. I cannot speak to the contents of this proposed legislation, but any increase in gun control will only negatively affect otherwise law abiding citizens. Our current restrictions are already onerous and ineffective. Further restrictions on legal, peaceful, firearms ownership will only further alienate a large segment of our population. The existing laws have already created a legislated second class of citizen; further regulation would deepen that divide. Continuous eligibility screening from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police is a gross invasion of privacy of citizens who routinely go out of their way to avoid any infraction. Arbitrary search and seizure of personal property before due process is a violation of basic human rights, and an affront to our democracy. Legal firearms owners are ostracized and attacked by their Members of Parliament, the media and their peers. Shooting sports are the fastest growing sport in Canada, with more licensed gun owners than adults playing hockey. However, because of the constant demonization of firearms owners, thousands, possibly millions, of Canadians are missing out on the comradery, discipline, and sheer enjoyment these sports have to offer.

When the current Liberal government was elected, they promised Canadians “fact based legislation.” Between the current emotional climate, and overwhelming statistical evidence, infringing on law abiding citizens is the polar opposite of that promise. I believe I speak for all licensed legal firearms owners when I say any new legislation is simply a knee jerk reaction. According to Stats Canada firearms accounted for 2% of violent crimes in 2012, the last year data was available. Although it is difficult to find exact numbers on these violent crimes; based on stringent transport and storage requirements, and dutiful compliance by lawful private firearms owners, it is unlikely the firearms used in these crimes were sourced legally. According to another Statistics Canada report, violent crime rates have declined consistently since 1969. However, there was no noticeable decline in reported violent crime after the introduction of the current Firearms Act. To even a casual observer, it would seem that individuals who have decided to break the law are not deterred by more laws.

Whenever there is a cry for “common sense gun control,” the vast majority of gun owners in Canada generally agree. However, there is a virtual chasm between what is effective and the types of legislation proposed in situations like this. Again, I feel I speak for all gun owners in Canada when I applaud the current government’s commitment to spend $327.5 million combating gang violence and illegal firearms in Canada. However, forcing draconian restrictions on the citizens least likely to contribute to either of these problems is a leap in the wrong direction. Treating millions of law abiding firearms owners as part of the problem simply increases tribalism and prevents real solutions from being presented.