Canada/Saskatchewan introduces legislation for better gun control

A new bill to regulate the use of firearms was introduced Thursday by the provincial government.

The Saskatchewan Firearms Act aims to establish a provincial system that promotes the safe and responsible use of firearms in the province.

If passed, the bill would establish licensing requirements for businesses or individuals involved in expropriating firearms, according to a news release.

It also provides for fair compensation for any seized firearms, while requiring forensic and ballistics testing of seized firearms, the release added.

The government has spent approximately $3.2 million this fiscal year to develop several initiatives contained in the proposed Saskatchewan Firearms Act, the release said.

This legislation will address the concerns of firearms owners and improve public safety across Saskatchewan," said Corrections, Policing and Public Safety Minister Christine Tell.

"We take public safety seriously and support initiatives that reduce the criminal use of firearms, while preventing gang violence and keeping illegal guns out of our province."

- A quote from Christine Tell, Minister of Corrections, Policing and Public Safety

This bill will be administered primarily by the Saskatchewan Firearms Office (SFO).

In this way, the Bureau will also play an enhanced role in the prosecution of non-violent firearms-related regulatory offences," the release said.

According to Chief Firearms Officer Robert Freberg, this legislation will expand the ability of the Bureau of Firearms to promote the responsible use of firearms and improve community safety.

Since its inception, the Saskatchewan Firearms Office has successfully dealt with public safety issues and continues to work closely with police to ensure firearms safety laws are properly enforced," said Robert Freberg.

Ultimately, the government wants to establish a firearms ballistics laboratory in Saskatchewan to support policing.

Several firearms officers will be hired by the SFO

to provide law enforcement, if adopted, while investigating incidents related to mental health, domestic violence and illegal activities involving firearms, the release states.

Source: ici.radio-canada.ca