TRURO - They're armed and angry, but they're not threatening to shoot anyone.

About 100 people gathered at the Royal Canadian Legion Sunday afternoon for a town hall meeting concerning the state of the firearms registration system in the country.

Gary Breitkreuz, the Alliance MP from Saskatchewan who has been tracking the issue since 1994, was the guest speaker.

"People have taken a great interest in this issue and interest is increasing," he said. "As of Dec. 3, this has suddenly become a big national issue. It's really become a symbol of what's wrong in this country.

"We should target the root causes of violent crime in society, not shuffle paper."

Breitkreuz said the government is trying to create the impression that something beneficial is being done in an effort to get votes in the next election.

He told those in attendance that the government has already spent $1 billion on the program, much of it for things like computer and advertising programs.

Breitkreuz sent in 300 requests regarding gun registry through access to information, and said much of what he received was whited out.

"Why should an MP have to apply time after time to access information to find out what the government is doing? Most Canadians don't know the government is acting in secrecy.

"This legislation is a waste of taxpayers' money. It's not controlling guns in any way; it's simply creating bigger bureaucracy."

He said that in order for democracy to work people must have information, effective opposition and media that tells people what is happening.

He encouraged people to become more involved by promoting programs that encourage responsible use of firearms.

Colchester-Musquodoboit Valley MLA Brooke Taylor also spoke to the crowd, saying he was against Bill C-68 from the beginning.

"The only way to eliminate this is if the Conservatives and Alliance form a coalition to fire the federal Liberals out of Ottawa," he said. "Both parties have stated in their platform they would revoke the registration of longarms."

Several people stepped up to the microphone when the meeting opened to questions from the floor.

Al Muir, a Stellarton resident who has been very outspoken regarding the gun registration issue said that, on July 1, he will announce once again that he is not complying with the regulations.

Don Taylor, from Fundy Fish and Game, asked Taylor and Breitkreuz whether they recommend people refuse to register guns.

"I would not recommend anyone not register at this point," said Breitkreuz. "I cannot recommend anyone break the law."

Taylor said he has possession and acquisition cards for his firearms, but hasn't registered them yet.

"I would never encourage anyone to be in non-compliance," he added.

He urged people not to give up the fight, saying he believes there is enough opposition to defeat the legislation.

"What I've learned so far is that the Nova Scotia prosecution service will be enforcing federal gun registration laws.

"Jamie Muir is going to Ottawa on Monday, April 7 and meeting with Solicitor General Wayne Easter to further advance of government position that the registration of longarms is not acceptable."

Tony Rodgers, vice-president of the Nova Scotia Federation of Anglers and Hunters, said he felt the information provided by Breitkreuz and Taylor was well-received. He said he would like to see those opposed to the legislation join the federation, gun clubs or wildlife organizations. The federation has spent a considerable amount of money fighting the legislation, and just passed a deficit budget of almost $7,000.

Illustration: Color Photo: Gary Breitkreuz

Edition: Final

Story Type: News 

Length: 582 words