Toronto top cop and gun owners say "lock em up"
Canadian Institute for Legislative Action
16 July 1999
In the aftermath of the recent shooting of Toronto police officer Const Patrick Ferdinand, Toronto Police Chief David Boothby called for zero tolerance of firearms crime, " People who are using firearms in the commission of offences really should be paying the price and I'm saying 10 years and zero tolerance."
In a rare display of solidarity, Chief Boothby and representatives from the recreational firearms community reached the same conclusion regarding the recent spate of shootings in the Greater Toronto area..."Lock 'em up!"
Canadian Institute for Legislative Action Executive Director Tony Bernardo reacted strongly, "When will the federal government clue in. C-68 doesn't work" He added " CILA Supports mandatory penalties for the criminal misuse of firearms." "The recreational firearms community is still demanding gun control that punishes criminals, not sportspersons. We're sick and tired of being blamed for this stuff ".
The shooting comes days after reports that the various police associations across Canada will debate the withdrawal of support from the Liberal's flawed gun registration program. Police have openly questioned the value of registering the guns of the law abiding while criminals continue to obtain guns illegally.
Ontario Handgun Association President Larry Cowlishaw states, "What good is there in throwing away a billion dollars on futile registration programs when the Metro Toronto Police Service can't even afford their own helicopter or DNA data bank".
Ontario Solictor-General David Tsubouchi and Attorney-General Jim Flaherty echoed Bernardo's comments, "I think we need zero tolerance policy in this country for anyone who uses a gun when committing a crime" Tsubouchi said.
Meanwhile, eccentric Toronto Mayor Mel Lastman ranted about gun bans, "I'd personally like to see guns banned in Toronto", he said. But the Toronto Mayor seems to be standing alone on this one.
Long time police advocate and Police Services Board Chair Norm Gardner said he didn't agree a gun ban would curb violence because criminals can always get firearms illegally.
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