OTTAWA - Bill C-19, Ending the Long-gun Registry Act, passed the third and final reading in the House of Commons last evening. Senator Dan Lang has been asked to sponsor the Bill and will lead off debate in the Senate at the end of February.
After debate in the Senate Chamber the Bill will be reviewed by the Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs.
Senator Lang said “I am very pleased to be given carriage of Bill C-19, an act to end the Long Gun Registry for its final debate in the Senate. With so many Yukoners being affected by this legislation, I have a personal interest in its passage.”
The proposed legislation will repeal the requirement to register non-restricted firearms and destroy all data pertaining to the registration of long guns. The Canadian Firearms Registry, under the control of the chief firearms officer, will maintain control over restricted and prohibited firearms.
Licensing requirements for the purchase or possession of firearms or ammunition will not be changed with this legislation. These requirements include police background checks, firearms safety training course, examination and compliance with safe storage and transportation regulations.
“The Long Gun Registry has cost taxpayers billions of dollars and has been wasteful and ineffective”, said Senator Lang. “Canadians have spoken loud and clear and I look forward to constructive debate throughout the final steps of this process.”
For an online version of the legislation, visit: www.parl.gc.ca