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~ FEBRUARY 15, 1978 TERRACE BAY NEWS Gun Control. PAGE 9 Working together to save lives. ® The majority of Canadian gun owners have traditionally supported gun control in Canada. i Many of these people are sports hunters, target shooters or collectors, and others use their guns to hunt or trap in order to support their families. Generally, they are Canada's responsible gun users. ¥ There is a small but growing group of people in Canada, however, who make criminal use of guns. For example, armed robberies increased 38% from 1974 to 1976. It is this group that the new gun control legislation will deal with through longer, mandatory prison sentences and prohibition powers. The misuse of guns is increasing as well. Last year approximately 300 people' were victims of homicide with a gun. Many in an impulsive moment of violence among family members or friends. New court-ordered prohibitions, police search and seizure powers, and higher gun safety standards will reduce the needless toll of deaths and injuries. With the continued support of Canadians for gun control, we will reduce the criminal and irresponsible use of guns. In short, we'll be working together to save lives. ' : S "I own my own guns. How dees the new Gun - Control legislation affect me?" If you own only hunting rifles and you store them safely, it won't affect you at all. However, certain other guns will be either restricted or prohibited. Basically, all centre-fire semi-automatics with a barrel length of less than 18%" are now restricted and must be registered. Handguns have been restricted since 1934. Sawed-off rifles and shotguns, guns with silencers and fully automatic weapons, are now prohibited, except those fully automatics registered to collectors before January 1, 1978. | "I'm glad you're getting tougher with criminals using firearms. What happens to them?" Anyone convicted of using a firearm while committing or attempting to commit a criminal offense will be sent to prison for not less than one year and not more than 14 years. This sentence cannot be suspended. As well, maximum prison sentences for - other firearm offences have been doubled. "Is it true that police officers have new, extended search and seizure powers?" Yes. Police officers can now seize firearms without a search warrant if they consider them hazardous to the immediate safety of any individual. They will then have to justify the grounds for the search to a magistrate. I now own a prohibited weapon. What do [ do?" It is against thé law to be in possession of a prohibited weapon. You should contact your local police as soon as possible'in order to turn the weapon over to them or to make other arrangements for its disposal. Failure to do so could result in your being prosecuted. "What does safe handling and storage of guns have to do with Gun Control?" : Last year in Canada, there were over 120 accidental deaths due to the careless use of firearms. Under the new legislation, gun owners are responsible for the safe storage of their weapons. For example, if your gun is used in a criminal action, you could be charged with careless storage if such is decided in court. : : "My rifle is now on the restricted list. How do I register it?" ~ Contact your local police immediately and register the gun with them. Failure to do ~ so is punishable by a prison sentence of up to five years. "How do you plan on keeping guns out of the hands of people who aren't able to use them safely?" Through Firearms Acquisition Certificates and the courts' prohibition powers. The provincially administered F.A.C. system will come into effect January 1, 1979. It is designed to prevent unfit and incompetént persons from acquiring guns. The new prohibition power allows the courts to take guns away from dangerous persons. . "Why is Gun Control so important?" Ultimately, to make Canadians safer from the misuse of firearms. Last year alone over [,400 people were killed by guns. Through tighter firearms control, safety education and the encouragement of responsible gun ownership and use, we will be able to reduce the level of firearm violence. "I would like to learn more about the safe and proper use of guns, and more detail on restricted and prohibited weapons. Who should I see?" : ; Contact your local police department: Chief Provincial Firearms Officer, or write: @un Control in Canada, 340 Laurier Avenue West, Ottawa, Ontario, KiA OPS. 'Gun Control . inCanada. § Government Gouvernement of Canada du Canada Department Ministere of Justice de la Justice Solicitor General ~~ Solliciteur général Canada Canada