Putting the semi-auto ban rumour down for a nap...

This will be the last update on the topic of the semi-auto ban unless new relevent information is received. The response to the semi-auto ban "rumour" was apparently unlike anything Parliament Hill has experienced before from the grass roots. Based on a synthesis of responses from individual MPs to their constituents, the subsequent referrals to Stockwell Day's ministry (Public Safety and Emergency Prepared Canada), and a meeting of Garry Breitkreuz (CPC, Yorkton) with Minister Day, the following would seem to be true:

• There is no immediate intention to proceed toward a ban or re-classification of any firearm currently (no satisfactory elaboration of this word has been received).


• A ban (and re-classification?) was discussed in caucus by the CPC, and roundly rejected as undesirable by MPs (Laurie Hawn, CPC, Edmonton).


• Consultations have been and continue to be underway with "stakeholders" on the means by which gun control can be improved or strengthened. Stakeholders include the provinces and a wide range of "squeaky wheels". While it is believed the conversation centres around more rigorous licence checks and penalties for gun crime, no meaningful public agenda has been released as far as we know.


• the role of the PMO in this initative is suspect...


• The individual who prompted the rumour in the first place stands by his sources.


• The reaction of the government has not been sufficient to assuage the grass roots that something was not, or is not forthcoming. Presently, the grass roots community are holding a guarded optimism that the government "got the message", but are pledging to remain vigilant and proactive.

Its not at all clear firearms owners are out of the woods on this issue, although certainly there is no doubt the government heard us. If you haven't yet, remind your MP how seriously you take this issue.