The Federal Government is looking to reduce violent crime by banning handguns and assault weapons in Canada.

The Honourable William Blair, Minister of Border Security and Organized Crime Reduction, was looking for input from third parties on their views on the discussion paper entitled Reducing Violent Crime: A dialogue on handguns and assault weapons.

An overview of the paper, says the Canadian Government has committed to getting handguns and assault rifles off the street while not impeding the lawful use of firearms by Canadians.

Member of Parliament for Portage-Lisgar Candice Bergen, says this new endeavour by the Liberals is the same as previous ones.

"It seems like every time they say they're going to crack down on guns and gangs; they instead enact legislation that targets law-abiding Canadians. That's not been any more clear than when we saw Bill C-71, the bill they put out that doesn't even mention the word gangs."

Bill C-71 was an Act to amend certain Acts and Regulations in relation to firearms.

Bergen says the Liberals are trying to import the United States' gun problems into Canada. However, Bergen notes the laws in Canada are very different from those in the US.

"Our licensing requirements for individuals owning firearms are very strict; there are background checks, everyone has to have a licence to own a firearm or to acquire a firearm."

Bergen notes that criminals that are using guns in gang activity and in violent incidents that take place in cities like Toronto aren't following the laws so a ban on guns won't do anything, only severe penalties in the commission of a crime.

In 2016, Statistics Canada showed 223 firearms related homicides, with 141 of those being committed by gangs.

Manitoba Wildlife Federation (MWF) was one of the third parties, asked by Minister Blair for their views on the topic.

MWF says there is a problem with Minister Blair's logic, being if there are fewer legal firearms available, by proxy that would impact the illicit market because there would be fewer firearms on the streets.

Another issue with a broad ban on handguns and assault weapons is the definition of what an assault weapon is.

Minister Blair quoted the US Department of Justice for their definition, as “assault weapons are semi-automatic firearms with a large magazine of ammunition that were designed and configured for rapid fire.” However, Canada does not have a legal definition.

The MWF says many firearms are semi-automatic, two examples being the Benelli R1 or Ruger Mini 14, both hunting rifle that meets every standard of falling under the non-restricted classification.

 A gun that is restricted is the Savage MSR 15, MWF says these semi-automatic firearms are adjustable, accurate and well designed, however, due to its aggressive appearance, MWF says the Canadian Government has deemed them assault weapons.

MWF suggests the Government needs to clarify and simplify the firearms laws that are already in place.

Gun laws are incredibly important says Bergen, Canadian citizens want to know their government is looking out for their protection and safety.

She says the governments are looking to combat gang violence the best they can, but easy solutions shouldn't be taken, solutions which penalize law-abiding gun owners and not the criminals.

Bergen says she has been hearing about this issue from citizens across the country and invites constituents to connect with her to share their thoughts on this topic more.

PembinaValleyOnline reached out to the regions Liberal representative but did not receive a response upon deadline.