Canada facing government ‘freeze’

A move by the Canadian Government to push through legislation blocking the importation, buying and selling of handguns is being closely monitored by the Sporting Shooters’ Association of Australia (SSAA National). The Canadian Shooting Sports Association (CSSA) has received countless phone calls and emails from its members amid Government claims a handgun ownership ‘freeze’ would stop drug dealers and gangs from using smuggled illegal guns.

SSAA National is all too familiar with this approach from authorities who claim legislation will reduce criminal activity but ultimately only serves to adversely affect law-abiding licensed firearm owners who follow the letter of the law. SSAA National is in contact with the CSSA and will provide assistance if required.

Meanwhile in Australia, SSAA National has been contacted by industry regarding new standards affecting ‘button’ or ‘coin’ batteries which came into effect recently. The Commonwealth and Consumer Goods Safety Standard 2020 in the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 has snared a lot of firearm accessories which rely on these batteries as a power source.

While notice was given to the public of this change, the extent of the impact this standard would have has only come to light since its inception and SSAA National will continue to liaise with relevant industry stakeholders on the matter – Rachael Oxborrow

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