Ontario Premier Doug Ford believes the federal government is taking the wrong approach with its ban on 1,500 assault-style firearms.
The sale, import or transport of the selected firearms is now not allowed in our country and includes a two-year amnesty period for current owners.
Ford says the move will do nothing to protect Canadians.
“The problem is not the legal gun owners. We need to target the smugglers and we need to throw the book at these gangsters out there terrorizing our streets.”
Ford says the federal government has set aside hundreds of millions of dollars to buyback these now illegal guns from legal licensed gun owners who are responsible.
“I can’t help but think that money could be put to much better use. Hunting down the violent criminals and stopping these illegal guns at our borders.”
The cost of the buyback program hasn’t been determined but early estimates have it anywhere from $200 million to as high as $600 million.
Premier Ford says he’s more than willing to work with the prime minister on a real plan that will make a difference.
“Let’s really strengthen the bail conditions. Let’s strengthen the sentences. Rather than giving these nasty criminals, these gang bangers, a slap on the wrist and they laugh at our police. Let’s start giving them some tough sentences. Throw the key away with these people.”
He adds “Don’t give them a slap on the wrist and then try to point the finger at legal, law abiding gun owners. And spending hundreds and hundreds of millions of dollars of hard earned taxpayers money. For what?!”
To hear more from Premier Doug Ford, visit the Audio link below.
