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Just over a year ago, I began pressing the federal government to take a serious look at domestic gun trafficking.

Goodale has listened to the concerns raised and I know he is committed to doing everything possible to save lives and keep our country safe.

Now is the time for action.

I say that not because of some sudden crisis or tragedy like we have seen in the U.S. but because part of leading is recognizing problems and moving to fix them before they flare up.

We know domestic gun trafficking is a growing problem.

We know more and more criminals are obtaining guns that were at first legally purchased right here in Canada.

In a sentencing decision for a first-time gun trafficker, Justice Ian Nordheimer pointed out the man had purchased 47 guns from only two stores in just over five months and yet it raised no concerns with the stores or anyone else in place to enforce our gun laws.

Who needs 47 guns?

We need to find a way to crack down on these sales and do everything possible politically to help our communities that are suffering from gun violence.

Such action, even in Canada, is never easy.

I know full well the arguments that will surface if the federal government takes bold action to fight domestic gun trafficking.

Some law-abiding gun owners will claim they are being unfairly persecuted or punished.

But this isn’t about punishing those who obey the law.

Those who obey the law have nothing to fear. This is about tightening and toughening our laws so we prevent loopholes that can be exploited by criminals.

I think all law-abiding citizens can agree on that and that’s what I’ll be pressing the Liberal government to do.

— John Tory is mayor of Toronto