Parliamentary Committee Notes: Second Reading in the House of Commons

Summary of Debate

Bill C-21 was received with mixed reactions from Members of Parliament.  The primary concerns of the members of opposition parties related to the provisions related to the freezing of handguns in Canada or those which prohibited replica firearms (e.g., airguns). Others felt that restricting legal handguns would not impact firearm-related crime, with many opposition members recommending the federal government provide additional resources and tools to interrupt handgun smuggling between the United States and Canada instead. Some members provided support for both the restriction of handguns and increased funding for law enforcement and tracing activities to prevent handgun trafficking.

Many Members of Parliament feared individuals would be unable to develop the skills to become a competitive sports shooter if unable to purchase a handgun privately or inherit them from individuals with grandfathered handguns. Such concerns indicated that exceptions allowing professional sports shooters to acquire handguns would be ineffective in maintaining the sport shooting industry. This concern was often paired with worries that firearm-related businesses would be significantly and negatively impacted by the reduction in business associated with fewer handgun sales and/or shooting events.

Those concerned with the prohibition of replica firearms had similar concerns for the airsoft industry as they did for handgun-related businesses. Many recommended the government require replica firearms to have coloured barrels, muzzle brakes, or bodies so they can be easily distinguished from the real firearm it replicates rather than prohibiting replica firearms altogether. Some Members of Parliament sought airsoft industry participation in discussions related to airguns within committee.

Provisions related to domestic violence were largely met with acceptance by Members of Parliament, with some minor concerns raised by opposition parties. Similarly to the “red and yellow flag” laws introduced in 2021’s version of Bill C-21, some Members of Parliament suggested that such laws place responsibility for personal safety on victims rather than firearm owners, indicating that some organizations representing women and victims disagree with such laws. Others sought committee discussion of how non-physical victimization would be considered by these provisions, specifically for those in coercive and controlling relationships at elevated risk of gender-based and firearm-related violence. Otherwise, many Members of Parliament wished to separate the bill to pass the “red and yellow flag” provisions quickly while debating other more contentious provisions in the bill within committee.

While Bill C-21’s provisions were heavily debated, some Members of Parliament sought additions such as the introduction of assault-style weapon definitions in the Criminal Code and a voluntary handgun buyback program for handgun owners.

Date modified:

2023-03-14