Canadians Skeptical That Handgun Freeze Will Reduce Crime: Privy Council Study

Bill C-21 allows municipalities to ban legal handguns within their boundaries. Scott Olson/Getty Images

Many Canadians have doubts that a federal freeze on handguns would be effective in deterring firearms-related crimes, an in-house Privy Council study has found.

“Most were unsure as to the practicalities and realities of such a policy,” said the study titled “Continuous Qualitative Data Collection of Canadians’ Views,” which also said that “a large number expressed concerns about a potential freeze.”

“Several felt such a law would have little to no effect on the prevalence of firearms-related crimes, believing those intending to use handguns for illicit activities would not be deterred by any new regulations,” the study said.

The confidential report, obtained by Blacklock’s Reporter, was dated June 28—a month after the cabinet introduced Bill C-21, which seeks to amend the Criminal Code and the Firearms Act along with other legislation to prohibit new sales of handguns. The Privy Council commissioned the study under a $2.4 million contract for ongoing monthly focus groups with the Strategic Counsel, according to Blacklock’s. The bill has yet to pass the House or Senate.

On Aug. 19, the Liberal government announced a temporary ban on imports of handguns, while Parliament looks at potentially freezing imports permanently, as well as introducing tougher regulations on the purchase and ownership of handguns in the country.

The study, however, showed that many were concerned the law would prompt a surge in purchases of handguns, while encouraging illegal gun ownership.

“Some felt a handgun freeze may actually have a counterproductive effect possibly leading to a surge of handgun purchases among those who wished to obtain a handgun,” the study said.

“A number also expressed concern this might lead to the growth of an unregulated and illegal market for handguns and further exacerbate the prevalence of these activities going forward,” it added. “Discussing whether they felt a freeze or ban was the most appropriate step forward, many were of the view that neither was the step to take at present, believing this would have either a minimal impact on gun crimes or an adverse effect.”

In a recent debate of the bill at the House Standing Committee on Public Safety, Assistant Deputy Minister of Public Safety Talal Dakalbab testified that there is little evidence to support that an interim handgun freeze would reduce crime.

“I can’t tell you exactly what impact it will have,” he told the committee on Oct. 4.

Canadians surveyed in the Privy Council study were skeptical, according to Blacklock’s.

“The principle concern was those committing gun crimes were likely to have obtained their weapons illegally and as such any enhancements to regulations would primarily impact those who had purchased their firearms legally while doing very little to impact those who had acquired these weapons through illegal means,” the study added.

Noé Chartier and Peter Wilson contributed to this report.