Canada Bans 324 More Firearms, Aims to Aid Ukraine

Canada Bans 324 More Firearms, Aims to Aid Ukraine \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Canada announced a ban on 324 more firearms, adding to a list of over 2,000 prohibited models since 2020. Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc emphasized these weapons are designed for war, not civilian use. The government is exploring donating banned firearms to Ukraine to aid its defense against Russia. A national buyback program is in development to ensure compliance.

Canada’s Expanded Firearm Ban: Detailed Quick Looks

• New Ban: 324 firearm models added to Canada’s growing list of prohibited weapons.
• Gun-Control Advocacy: Response to concerns that many assault-style firearms were missed in the 2020 ban.
• Support for Ukraine: Defense Minister Bill Blair confirms discussions to send banned firearms to aid Ukraine’s war effort.
• National Buyback Program: Planned collaboration with provinces and police to compensate gun owners.
• Anniversary of Tragedy: Announcement coincides with the 35th anniversary of the École Polytechnique massacre.
• Opposition Criticism: Conservatives label the ban a political stunt targeting lawful gun owners.

Deep Look

Canada took another significant step in its gun-control efforts on Thursday, announcing the prohibition of 324 additional firearm models, bringing the total number of banned weapons to over 2,000 since 2020. Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc and Defense Minister Bill Blair unveiled the new measures, citing public safety concerns and opportunities to support Ukraine in its defense against Russian aggression.

Expanding the Firearm Ban

The newly banned firearms include assault-style weapons designed for rapid, high-capacity shooting. LeBlanc stated that such weapons “belong on the battlefield, not in the hands of hunters or sport shooters,” reinforcing Canada’s stricter stance on gun control compared to neighboring countries like the United States.

“This means these firearms can no longer be used,” LeBlanc said at a press conference.

The latest ban comes after gun-control advocates highlighted gaps in the 2020 prohibition, which initially targeted 1,500 firearm makes and models. Over the years, as new variants were identified, the list grew to encompass more than 2,000 models.

Supporting Ukraine’s War Effort

In an unexpected twist, Canada announced it is exploring options to repurpose some of the banned firearms by donating them to Ukraine. Defense Minister Bill Blair revealed that Canadian officials had reached out to Ukrainian authorities, who expressed interest in using the weapons for their fight against Russian forces.

“Every bit of assistance we can offer to the Ukrainians is one step toward their victory,” Blair said.

The initiative aligns with Canada’s broader support for Ukraine, which has included financial aid, humanitarian assistance, and military equipment. Details on the potential transfer of firearms are still being negotiated, but the proposal underscores Canada’s commitment to aiding Ukraine’s defense.

Buyback Program in Development

To ensure compliance with the expanded ban, the federal government is coordinating with provinces, territories, and law enforcement on a nationwide buyback program. This initiative will compensate individual owners of prohibited firearms, helping to remove these weapons from circulation.

While specifics of the buyback program have yet to be finalized, officials see it as a crucial step in enforcing the new restrictions. The program builds on Canada’s previous efforts to implement comprehensive gun-control measures.

Remembering the École Polytechnique Massacre

The announcement comes just days before the 35th anniversary of the École Polytechnique massacre, a tragedy that remains a powerful symbol of the need for stricter firearm regulations. On December 6, 1989, a gunman armed with a Ruger Mini-14 rifle killed 14 women at the Montreal engineering school before taking his own life.

The Ruger Mini-14 was among the firearms banned in 2020, a decision that survivors of the massacre have praised. Nathalie Provost, who was wounded in the attack, expressed her support for the government’s continued action.

“These are just killing weapons, war weapons, military weapons,” Provost said. “I’m proud we are doing something.”

Canada’s Gun-Control Landscape

Canada has consistently maintained stricter gun laws than the United States, a factor often credited with the country’s relatively low rate of mass shootings. However, officials acknowledge that illegally smuggled firearms remain a significant problem, with many weapons entering Canada from its southern border.

The expanded ban aims to close loopholes and further restrict the availability of high-capacity weapons capable of mass violence.

Opposition Criticism

The announcement has drawn sharp criticism from Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, who accused Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government of using gun control as a political tool.

“This is nothing more than a stunt,” Poilievre said. “It attacks licensed and law-abiding hunters and sport shooters while doing little to address the real issue of illegal firearms.”

Poilievre and other critics argue that the government’s focus on banning firearms unfairly targets responsible gun owners instead of addressing the flow of illegal weapons into the country.

Broader Implications

The ban reflects Canada’s commitment to reducing gun violence while also highlighting its willingness to support international security through initiatives like the proposed donations to Ukraine. As the anniversary of the École Polytechnique massacre serves as a solemn reminder of the human cost of gun violence, Canada’s latest measures signal a continued effort to prevent similar tragedies.

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