Trudeau Has Plans To Ban Assault-Style Weapons & He's Set To Reveal Them This Week

Less than two weeks after the deadliest mass shooting in Canadian history, the federal government plans to announce a ban on assault-style weapons. This is expected to include the AR-15 and the Ruger Mini-14. According to reports, the Prime Minister will announce the new ban before the week is up.

This article contains content that might not be suitable for some readers. This article includes some details of a mass shooting.

Last week, the Prime Minister spoke to Canadians about his plans to implement stronger gun control in Canada, following the tragedy that took place in Nova Scotia on April 18-19.

Now, it seems that Trudeau is already putting his plans into action, as he’s expected to announce the new ban before the week is over. According to the Associated Press, the key provisions have already been decided by Trudeau’s cabinet.

A number of assault-style weapons are expected to be covered by the ban, including the Ruger Mini-14, that was used during the 1989 École Polytechnique massacre.

Reports suggest that the AR-15 will also be on the list, as well as a number of similar types of firearms.

For now, the list does not include handguns. Instead, stronger powers will be given to individual municipalities to introduce their own restrictions.

According to a report from CBC News, the new ban can be passed through an order-in-council, and therefore does not require the adoption of new legislation.

That said, the government could still introduce gun control legislation in the future, when the COVID-19 pandemic allows parliament to return as normal.

Because there is no exact definition of a "military-style" weapon, the government will have to announce specific models as part of their ban.

During the 2019 election campaign, banning assault-style weapons was one of the Liberals’ key promises. 

At the time, Trudeau tweeted that “thoughts and prayers are not enough,” as he committed to implementing stronger federal legislation on gun control. 

Last week, just days after the devastating Nova Scotia shooting, he explained, "We have every intention of moving forward on that measure, and potentially other measures, when Parliament returns."

Police in Nova Scotia have confirmed that the gunman had been in possession of a pistol and long barreled weapons on April 18-19, although no further information has been given.

For anybody who is struggling, Nova Scotia has a provincial crisis line set up where support is available 24/7.  

*This article's cover image is for illustrative purposes only.

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