PUBLICATION:              Calgary Herald

DATE:                         2004.05.11

EDITION:                    Final

SECTION:                  News

PAGE:                         A7

BYLINE:                     Linda Slobodian

SOURCE:                   Calgary Herald

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MP has little faith in overhaul of gun registry

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A possible overhaul of the $1-billion federal gun registry, leaked by Liberal insiders, is "an election gimmick" designed to woo votes in worrisome ridings, say critics. "They're playing politics at election time. It's just a little gimmick to soften opposition to the registry," said Conservative MP Garry Breitkreuz. "There might be about 10 ridings of concern in Ontario that might be swayed on an issue like this."

The changes likely wouldn't help western Liberal candidates in the upcoming election, expected to be called in two weeks for June 28.

Proposals are being considered by the Liberal government to fix the controversial registry, sources told the CanWest News Service on Sunday. "If this was such a priority, they would have done something already," said Breitkreuz.

Recommendations were made in a recent report by associate defence minister Albina Guarnieri at the request of Prime Minister Paul Martin wanting solutions for the problematic registry. Possible changes include removing long-gun owners who don't comply from the Criminal Code so as not to lump farmers and hunters in with criminals, reducing or eliminating user fees and handing management of the registry back to the RCMP.

The Mounties were relieved of overseeing applications for firearms and issuing permits when the registry came into effect. "They actually were doing a pretty good job," said Breitkreuz, who represents the Saskatchewan riding of Yorkton-Melville.

The issue must be addressed by the RCMP at a national level, said a spokesman for K Division. "If it were to come about, it would affect virtually every area of policing across the country," said Edmonton-based RCMP Cpl. Wayne Oakes.

The Mounties would need resources to accompany the added task, said an experienced veteran with the RCMP, who asked to remain anonymous. "It would be one thing to give us the responsibility of going into an absolutely swarming hornet's nest. Would there be financial resources coming along with that?  "Every time a new law is enacted or a law is changed . . . it's the same old thing -- 'That's your job, just go out and do it,' " said the Mountie.

lslobodian@theherald.canwest.com