From the desk of the Canadian Shooting Sports Association
January 14, 2025
Fellow law-abiding firearms enthusiasts, break out the party poppers (while they’re still legal) because we’ve got exciting news! Our very own ex-Deputy Prime Minister, Chrystia Freeland, is throwing her hat into the ring to become our next Prime Minister. You know, the same Freeland who proudly declared that gun control “was one of the key planks” in the Liberal campaign¹. How absolutely thrilling.
For those who’ve been living under a rock (probably the safest place to store your legally acquired firearms these days), Freeland has been a steadfast champion of the Liberal government’s remarkable strategy of solving crime by harassing law-abiding citizens. She’s been particularly vocal about their unwavering commitment to “never water down” their measures on gun control². Because heaven forbid, we use evidence-based policy-making when emotional rhetoric is so much more effective.
Remember, this is the same government that’s managed the impressive feat of seeing violent crime increase almost 30 percent since 2015³. But don’t worry – they’re solving this by banning duck-hunting shotguns and target-shooting rifles. Nothing says “fighting crime” quite like confiscating Grandpa Joe’s bird gun.
Under their enlightened leadership, we’ve witnessed the masterful art of solving problems that don’t exist while ignoring ones that do. Who needs to address the root causes of violence when you can just blame law-abiding sport shooters? It’s like trying to reduce drunk driving by banning Toyotas – pure genius!
And now, Freeland wants to continue this legacy of “success.” She’s been right there alongside the current administration, championing policies that were “designed for one purpose and one purpose only”⁴ – apparently, that purpose was to make life more difficult for competitive shooters, hunters, and collectors while doing absolutely nothing about illegal firearms.
Let’s not forget how wonderfully democratic this process has been. There’s been a “severe lack of consultation with the firearms industry”⁵ during the creation of these policies. But who needs to consult with experts when you can just watch action movies to learn about firearms?
The timing of her leadership bid is particularly interesting, coming just as the Conservative opposition has publicly stated they will reverse all of these oppressive measures⁶. It’s almost as if she’s worried that common sense might actually prevail if she doesn’t step in to save us from ourselves.
So here we are, staring down the barrel (pun intended) of potentially another Liberal leader who thinks the best way to stop criminals is to create more paperwork for people who follow the law. It’s like watching a bad movie sequel where you already know the ending, but they keep making them anyway.
To our members and all Canadian firearms enthusiasts: brace yourselves for more “Liberal common sense” solutions that make no sense at all. We might need to start a support group for all the paper cuts we’re getting from filling out pointless forms.
In the meantime, we’ll continue doing what we’ve always done: advocating for evidence-based policy, supporting responsible firearms ownership, and maintaining our sense of humour – because sometimes, that’s all you can do when facing the prospect of more misguided legislation wrapped in a fresh new package.
In the upcoming leadership race and eventual election, your voice matters. Use it wisely, and maybe consider keeping your hunting boots handy – we might need them to wade through all the Liberal political promises coming our way.
Stay safe, stay legal, and keep your powder dry (while it’s still legal to do so),
The Canadian Shooting Sports Association
¹ Toronto Sun: “The Liberals’ conniving and undemocratic gun control measures”
² Global News: “We will never water down our measures on gun control in Bill C-21”
³ Justice for Gun Owners: “Tweedledee to Replace Tweedledum”
⁴ Rev.com: “Transcript: Justin Trudeau & Canadian Officials Announce Assault Weapons Ban”
⁵ TNC News: “Liberals demote sport shooters association criticism”
⁶ NRA-ILA: “The Great Canadian Gun Grab: The End is Near”
