In a welcome development for law-abiding firearms owners and sports shooters across Canada, the Durham Regional Police Association (DRPA) has thrown its support behind Pierre Poilievre and the Conservative Party of Canada for the upcoming federal election. This endorsement from front-line officers who understand the real issues facing our communities is particularly significant for the shooting sports community.
The DRPA’s announcement specifically mentions the critical issue of illegal handguns, demonstrating that law enforcement professionals recognize where the real problems lie – with criminals and smuggled firearms, not with licensed sport shooters and hunters. This aligns perfectly with what the Canadian Shooting Sports Association has long maintained: that targeting law-abiding firearms owners does nothing to enhance public safety.
Andrew Tummonds, President of the Durham Regional Police Association, emphasized the need for police to have “the right support, tools, and legislation in place to combat crime and uphold the law.” This statement resonates strongly with our membership, who have consistently argued that current firearms legislation often misses the mark by focusing on responsible owners rather than criminal elements.
The DRPA’s endorsement highlights Poilievre’s commitment to addressing the flow of illegal handguns and focusing on actual criminal activity. This approach represents a refreshing change from policies that have disproportionately affected sport shooters, hunters, and collectors while failing to address the root causes of firearms-related crime.
Of particular interest to our members is the Conservative Party’s pledge to implement more effective measures against criminal elements while supporting law-abiding citizens. This balanced approach to public safety aligns with what the shooting sports community has advocated for years – policies based on facts rather than fear.
The endorsement from front-line officers carries special weight because these professionals understand the difference between law-abiding firearms owners and criminals. They know firsthand that Canada’s sports shooters, hunters, and collectors are among the most vetted and responsible citizens in the country.
For the Canadian shooting sports community, this endorsement represents more than just political support – it’s a validation of our long-standing position that effective public safety measures should focus on criminal activity rather than creating additional bureaucratic hurdles for legitimate firearms users.
The timing of this endorsement is crucial as our community continues to face challenges from increasingly restrictive regulations that do little to enhance public safety. The DRPA’s support of Poilievre suggests a potential shift toward evidence-based firearms policy that could better serve both public safety and the interests of law-abiding firearms owners.
