PolySesouvient’s recent statement in support of Liberal “gun control” measures demonstrates a fundamental misunderstanding of Canada’s problem with criminals who commit violent acts with illegal guns.
While they think their intentions may be good, the evidence shows that targeting legal firearm owners through gun bans, confiscations and “buybacks” is both ineffective and misguided.[1]
Canadian law enforcement officials consistently highlight this disconnect.
In 2024, Toronto Police Service data revealed that 88% of seized crime guns were traced to the United States, not licensed Canadian owners.[2] This statistic exposes the fundamental flaw in the Liberal approach, targeting law-abiding citizens while illegal firearms continue flowing across our borders.
The National Police Federation, representing 20,000 RCMP members, expresses serious doubts about the effectiveness of the Liberal “gun control” strategy. They emphasize that the billions of dollars earmarked for firearms confiscations would be better spent on border security and anti-gang initiatives – measures that actually target the source of violence with illegal guns.[3]
The Liberal approach isn’t just ineffective – it’s expensive. Ottawa’s spending on their Firearms Confiscation Compensation Scheme continues to skyrocket. The Liberal administration now plans to spend almost $600 million over three years on its firearm confiscation program, despite not having seized a single firearm.
This program has already cost taxpayers over $100 million in administrative costs with nothing to show for it.[4] This represents a massive misallocation of resources that does nothing to address the real drivers of violence committed with illegal guns.
Worse, the current policy creates a false sense of security.
By focusing on cosmetic features of firearms and targeting sport shooters, hunters, and collectors who follow the rules, we’re diverting attention and resources from meaningful public safety measures.
Licensed firearm owners in Canada are already vetted daily through the Canadian Firearms Program, making them statistically one of the most law-abiding segments of our population.[5]
The Liberal government’s own data undermines their position.
Despite previous bans and restrictions, violence committed with guns in major urban centers has increased, primarily driven by illegally smuggled firearms.
This clearly shows that the problem isn’t legal gun owners – it’s illegal weapons and the criminals who use them.
What’s particularly concerning is the government’s refusal to engage with evidence-based solutions.
Police chiefs across Canada repeated call for increased resources to combat smuggling operations and gang violence.[6]
Instead of real solutions, we see political theater that punishes law-abiding citizens while doing nothing to make our communities safer.
This reality is reinforced by data from Durham Regional Police Service, who reported that 83% of crime guns seized in their jurisdiction in 2024 originated from the United States.
This aligns with the broader pattern seen across the Greater Toronto Area, demonstrating that the primary source of crime guns is cross-border smuggling, not domestic legal ownership.[7]
Real solutions require a focus on:
• Enhanced border security to stop gun smuggling
• Increased funding for anti-gang initiatives
• Investment in community programs that prevent youth from joining gangs
• Stronger penalties for firearms trafficking
• Evidence-based policy-making that targets actual sources of gun crime
The shooting sports community in Canada has always supported reasonable firearms regulation. What we cannot and will not support is ineffective policy that ignores evidence, wastes taxpayer money, and fails to address the real sources of violence in our communities.
It’s time for an honest conversation about guns and crime in Canada – one based on facts rather than fear, and evidence rather than emotion.
Sources:
[1] “The Liberal government’s firearms ban is unlikely to curb gun violence in Canada,” National Post, 2025
[2] “American guns in GTA: Police data shows overwhelming majority of crime guns from U.S.,” CBC News, 2024
[3] “Canadians on Canada’s Gun Control Measures: Expensive, Ineffective Political Posturing,” NRA-ILA, 2023
[4] “Liberals’ 3-Year Plan For Gun Confiscation: $597.9 Million in New Spending,” The Gun Blog, December 2024
[5] “The Great Canadian Gun Grab: The End is Near,” NRA-ILA, 2025
[6] “Calgary Police chief Mark Neufeld on shootings, gun control,” Calgary Herald, 2024
[7] “Durham police confirm majority of crime guns from U.S. sources,” CBC News, 2024
