Reducing violent crime: A dialogue on handguns and assault weapons

Why

Keeping communities safe and reducing violent crime is a priority for the Government of Canada. This is why, in his Mandate letter, the Prime Minister has asked the Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of Border Security and Organized Crime Reduction, to lead an examination of a ban on handguns and assault weapons in Canada, while not impeding the lawful use of firearms by Canadians. The Government of Canada would like to hear your views. This will provide an excellent opportunity to identify gaps, challenges, and ideas to help inform future measures aimed at reducing violent crimes in Canada.

Who

This engagement process was open to all Canadians to share their views on how to reduce violent crime related to handguns and assault weapons.

In addition to encouraging written submissions, Minister Blair, with the support of Parliamentary Secretary Peter Schiefke, held a limited number of in-person roundtables sessions and discussions with a range of experts and stakeholders. They are also currently soliciting feedback from provinces, territories, municipalities, as well as Indigenous communities. It is an opportunity to examine all options and hear all perspectives on this issue.

How to participate

1. Read the Discussion Paper: Reducing violent crime: A dialogue on handguns and assault weapons
2. Until November 17th send-us an e-mail or a written submission:
   
   Mailing Address:
   Attention: Dialogue on Reducing Violent Crime
   269 Laurier Avenue West
   Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0P8
   Canada
   
   Fax: 613-991-7095

What

The information collected during the engagement process will assist Minister Blair in fulfilling his commitment to lead an examination of a ban on handguns and assault weapons in Canada while not impeding on the lawful use of firearms by Canadians.

Reporting to Canadians: A summary report of the engagement activities will be made public in early 2019.

Summary of events

Date	Activity	Details
October 11 to November 10, 2018	Online engagement session open to all Canadians
October 22 to end of November 2018	In-person stakeholder engagement sessions

Related information

Minister Blair seeks views on reducing violent crime