QUESTION – Firearms
QUESTION – Trudeau misleads Canadians on firearms law
Mr. Bob Benzen (Calgary Heritage, CPC): Mr. Speaker, section 5 of the Firearms Act says that a person who has threatened or committed a violent crime, a crime related to harassment, drug crimes or has serious mental health issues is unable to have a firearms licence. A person without a gun licence cannot legally have a gun. It seems that the Prime Minister’s red-flag proposal is a solution in search of a problem. Is the Prime Minister’s proposal different from what has existed for decades or was he simply unaware of the law?
Right Hon. Justin Trudeau (Prime Minister, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to be able to inform the member opposite of what we are planning to do. There are many individuals who have a firearms licence and own firearms and who begin to present a threat to themselves or to their family. At that point, medical health professionals can alert them not to just take away the firearms, which exists— Some hon. members: Oh, oh!
The Speaker: Sorry, but I am having a hard time hearing the answer. Maybe it is just me, but I hear some noise. I would ask every‐ one to take a deep breath. The right hon. Prime Minister can continue.
Right Hon. Justin Trudeau: Mr. Speaker, the police currently have the ability to remove firearms from someone who presents a threat to themselves or others, but they cannot suspend the licence and prevent that person from acquiring new firearms. That is what the red-flag law is all about.