Trudeau Promises To Ban Assault-Style Weapons & Tighten Gun Control Laws

Just one day after a Nova Scotia gunman killed 17 people, the Prime Minister has committed to reassessing Canada’s gun control laws. Speaking on Monday, Justin Trudeau promised to move forward with banning assault-style weapons. He also confirmed he would potentially consider “other measures” when Parliament reconvenes.

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

Just 24 hours after Canada’s deadliest mass shooting took place, Justin Trudeau has committed to passing the gun control legislation he promised last year.

During last year's election campaign, the Liberals promised to introduce legislation that would ban all assault-style weapons in Canada. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this move has been put on hold. 

During a press conference on Monday, Trudeau was asked about the federal government's response to the shooting in Nova Scotia.

Noting that the tragedy was an "ongoing investigation," the Prime Minister admitted that he wasn't prepared to jump to any conclusions.

That said, he confirmed that he hadn't forgotten about his election promise. He also added that he would consider taking even further action.

"We have every intention of moving forward on that measure, and potentially other measures, when Parliament returns," the PM explained.

"I am very much open to moving forward with our gun control legislation. I think there is always going to be questions of when is the right moment to do that," he added.

Trudeau’s renewed promises come as 18 people have been confirmed dead, in what is now Canada’s deadliest mass shooting. 

On Saturday night, RCMP officers responded to a firearms complaint in the small town of Portapique.

What followed was a 12-hour manhunt, during which a teacher, a police officer, a nurse and a family of three were killed. 

Nova Scotia RCMP has yet to disclose what kind of weapon the 51-year-old gunman used.

During the 2019 election campaign, Justin Trudeau committed to banning all military-style weapons in Canada.

Tweeting that “thoughts and prayers are not enough” he promised to implement stronger federal legislation on gun control. 

The PM also committed to giving provincial governments stronger powers to restrict or ban handguns. 

This action is yet to be taken, Trudeau explained on Monday, as Parliament has been suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

During the press conference on Monday, Trudeau asked the media and the public to refrain from using the name of the Nova Scotia gunman. Instead, he asked people to remember the lives of those who have died. 

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

If you or anyone you know is struggling with depression or mental health concerns, please reach out to a trusted peer, parent or health care professional. You can also contact a local helpline which is available 24 hours a day to talk. Or click here, for additional resources.

If you need immediate assistance please call 9-1-1 or go to your nearest hospital.

Support is available.