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It adds the legislation brings back “useless and ineffective long-gun registry” and “doesn’t provide the resources to frontline police forces to tackle true sources of firearms violence: gangs and organized criminal enterprises.”

“It’s been slow. It’s getting a couple (signatures) every day, but it’s amazing to see a bunch of Canadians come together and rally behind this petition,” said Slingerland, from Coalhurst, a town of about 2,600 about 15 kilometres northwest of Lethbridge.

His hope is for the government to scrap the bill and instead devote greater resources to policing across Canada.

Slingerland said he has experience hunting with his dad and has seen the steps required to purchase a gun and get a licence.

“It’s about divvying up money … so (police forces) can have more people on the ground, having more presence that will hinder shooters from committing violence,” he said.

“We saw in Toronto how they increased police presence there … that will stop a shooter from committing firearm violence.”

The signatures of support have come from every province and territory, with over 80 votes coming from other countries and Slingerland said the support has been tremendous.

“It’s really cool to see how the whole firearms community comes together and tries to show the Liberal government that there is no point in this bill and it will be ineffective,” said Slingerland.

Lethbridge MP Rachael Harder, who sponsored the petition, said it speaks volumes about Slingerland and those who supported his petition.

“It’s amazing to watch a 15-year-old man from Coalhurst take an interest in legislation and the whole process of having his voice heard and other Canadian voices heard by creating petition is incredible,” Harder said.

When the House of Commons returns for the fall session, Harder will present the petition to the House.

The petition is open for signatures until Thursday.

zlaing@postmedia.com

On Twitter: @zjlaing