PSEPC provides independent strategic and policy advice to the Minister on firearms issues. Additionally, we will be engaged in research on the criminal use of firearms, which is part of a Government of Canada investment initiative to combat this serious problem.
About the initiative
On May 20, 2004, the federal government allocated approximately $50 million over five years for the Investments to Combat the Criminal Use of Firearms initiative. These funds will help enhance the capacity of law enforcement agencies to combat gun crime, and the smuggling and trafficking of firearms. This initiative involves three federal organizations: PSEPC, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and the RCMP.
The overall focus of the initiative is to improve the national collection, analysis and sharing of firearms-related intelligence and information.
The initiative will undertake activities such as:
- Expanding the use of new technology for more effective crime scene investigations by establishing a Canadian Integrated Ballistic Identification Network
- Providing ongoing funding to the National Weapons Enforcement Support Team that offers investigative support to front-line police agencies in gathering evidence
- Enhancing the criminal intelligence capacity of the RCMP, the CBSA and the Criminal Intelligence Service of Canada to gather and share intelligence, and augment their firearms tracing capacity
Throughout the initiative, PSEPC will provide ongoing policy advice and conduct research on gun crime issues. The Department, in conjunction with the other partners, is developing an evaluation framework for the initiative.
Firearms Program Consultation
In fall 2006, the Government of Canada initiated a multi-pronged consultative process on firearms control measures. The purpose of these consultations was to engage and seek the views of Canadians as part of the Firearms Act amendment process.
The Government of Canada has used a multi-pronged consultation process to help identify ways to improve the effectiveness of gun control in Canada. The consultations involved a broad range of key stakeholders including provincial and territorial governments, law enforcement, firearms groups, victims of gun crime, associations and public interest groups. Stakeholders consulted have included provincial and territorial governments, firearms owners, gun control advocates from across the political spectrum, public safety experts, and victims of gun crime.
This consultation involved:
- Inviting provincial and territorial views and advice through a letter from the Minister of Public Safety;
- Engaging 474 stakeholder organizations from across all regions of Canada through a web-enabled public opinion survey;
- Seeking subject-specific advice and expertise through a Canadian Firearms Advisory Committee;
- Holding meetings between the Minister of Public Safety and victims of Dawson College and other gun crimes; and
- Ongoing collection of views and comments from Canadians.
The results of the EKOS survey results presented below were derived only through a survey of 474 stakeholder organizations from across Canada. Of the 474 stakeholders invited, 137 stakeholders responded. Together, these and the results of the consultations with provincial and territorial governments, public safety experts, victims of gun crimes and individual Canadians, will help the Government of Canada identify feasible and appropriate measures to improve the effectiveness of firearms control in Canada.
In addition to a survey of stakeholders, the Minister has met, and continues to meet, with his provincial and territorial counterparts, victims of gun crime, law enforcement and other interested stakeholders. The Government of Canada continues to encourage Canadians to submit their views and comments.