Jenny Ma
News
For decades, the legal status of firearms has polarized voters across Canada and America. Some argue stricter gun laws would cause people to be unable to defend their homes and families; Others retort that gun-related violence and deaths can be significantly decreased with the introduction of gun control laws. Of these two conflicting stances, which have the Canadian and American governments taken?
On June 8th, 2022, The American House of Representatives passed H.R. 7910, the most significant gun control bill in 30 years. The bill, if signed into law, would require a purchaser of a firearm to be over 21 years of age, combatting the rising number of mass shootings committed by people younger than 21 in recent years. Along with measures restricting large ammunition capacities and untraceable “ghost guns,” the act would provide a bold response to the 692 reported mass shootings in 2021 alone. Americans expressed their broad support for the new amendment, with nearly two-thirds (64%) of U.S. adults approving the new laws, including 32% who strongly approve. However, despite the support of many, 78% of Americans doubt the effectiveness of the new amendment, and over 63% of Americans would like to see Congress pass additional legislation to address gun violence.
In May 2022, the Canadian government brought Bill C-21, the strongest gun control measure in over 40 years, into action. Since then, handguns have been restricted from being bought, sold, or transferred without a license within Canada, and newly acquired handguns have been banned for import. The majority of Canadians approve of federal laws on handgun ownership. In addition, Bill C-21 would strengthen gun control laws to expand background checks, revoke certain firearm licenses of those involved in domestic violence or criminal harassment, fight gun smuggling and trafficking, and provide law enforcement with more resources to investigate firearm crimes. These additions to Canadian gun policy are part of the federal government's comprehensive plan to tackle gun violence.
Heightened attention has been drawn to gun violence and the need to end it. Although the Canadian and American governments have recently begun to pass more gun control policies, some citizens are concerned they are not effective enough. There are plenty of mixed feelings about the new laws.
References:
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2022/may/25/why-cant-america-stop-mass-shootings-gun-control
https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/2022/07/11/broad-public-approval-of-new-gun-law-but-few-say-it-will-do-a-lot-to-stem-gun-violence/
https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/7910/text#toc-HA367851F60D849DB8BEC3FCCE26F8846
https://pm.gc.ca/en/news/news-releases/2022/10/21/freezing-market-handguns#:~:text=From%20now%20on%2C%20people%20cannot,40%20years%2C%20in%20May%202022