Carrying signs that read: “we are not the problem,” “see you in court” and “our guns are not for sale,” firearm enthusiasts gathered at Winnipeg City Hall Monday to express their anger over “unfair” gun policy in Canada.
The event, hosted by the Canadian Coalition for Firearm Rights, targeted the Liberal government’s Bill C-21, restrictions on “military-style” weapons and the federal gun buyback program.
“If they take away one freedom from us, they’re going to take more,” said gun user Aaron Halbert, a lifelong Winnipegger. “If you give them an inch, they’ll take a mile.”
JOHN WOODS / FREE PRESS
Firearm owners held a rally at Winnipeg City Hall Monday, to protest “unfair” gun policy in Canada.
The 40-year-old called gun ownership an “essential right” in a free society and said criminals are getting a pass. He said alongside hunting and target shooting, firearms should be allowed for self defence as well.
The event, which opened with a singing of O Canada by the crowd, is one of many being hosted across the country. The rallies are happening ahead of a Supreme Court of Canada challenge brought forward by the firearms lobby, with hearing dates set for Nov. 9 and 10.
Since May 2020, Ottawa has outlawed approximately 2,500 types of guns on the basis they belong on the battlefield, not in the hands of hunters or sport shooters. A buyback program — for which the feds have budgeted $700 million — will provide owners fair compensation for their outlawed firearms.
Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree refused an interview request Monday from the Free Press. He said previously prohibiting firearms is “an important part of our government’s commitment to tackling gun violence and keeping Canadians safe.”
Frank Reimer, 63, attended the Winnipeg rally because he depends on guns to hunt for food.
“Instead of going after the actual criminals, to take guns away from legal, law-abiding citizens, makes absolutely no sense,” the Steinbach man said. He said the agenda of the government was out of touch.
‘They should be listening to the constituents instead of making up rules based on their own personal ideas, which have no place in politics in the first place,” he said.
He said tighter restrictions on his weapons would be an attack on his rights.
“It’s a way of life for quite a few Canadians,” he said. “More than the government realizes.”
JOHN WOODS / FREE PRESS
Tory MP, Raquel Dancho, speaks at the city hall protest, Monday.
Canadian Armed Forces Veteran Jim Dudgeon said shooting is an inter-generational pastime.
“My kids do it. My grandkids do it,” he said. “We use the old guns from before 1898 — the old revolvers … it’s fun. I’ve never hurt anybody in my life.”
The retired military police officer worries the government’s approach to firearms is harmful, saying he recalls days when people were able to use guns as a tool, without them being labeled a weapon.
“That freedom is gone,” he said.
Tory MPs Ted Falk, Colin Reynolds and Raquel Dancho were among the politicians in attendance.
Dancho called the crowd “very patriotic Canadians”and said firearms are family artifacts and heirlooms for many.
“This is a very big part of Canadian identity, for the people here and for millions of Canadians in this country,” she said.
Tracey Wilson, vice president of public relations with the firearms lobby, said the group is appreciative of Premier Wab Kinew’s refusal to have Manitoba participate in the gun buyback. The group would like to see Manitoba go a step further, implementing legislation to protect people who refuse to abide by the federal firearms policy.
JOHN WOODS / FREE PRESS
Canadian Coalition for Firearm Rights’ (CCFR) Tracey Wilson speaks at the firearm owners’ rally at city hall, Monday.
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“The other thing he could do is intervene in our court challenge. We’re off to the Supreme Court in November,” she said. “Other provinces (Alberta and Saskatchewan) have joined in the fight and I’d love to have the support of Manitoba.”
A statement from a provincial spokesperson said the Government of Manitoba “support measures that take illegal guns out of the hands of criminals and make our communities safer,” but the current approach falls short.
“Our position is that the federal buyback program is not the most effective or efficient way to achieve that goal. As a result, Manitoba will focus its efforts on supporting law enforcement and targeting illegal firearms that are driving violent crime.”
Similar rallies have been held in Cape Breton, N.B., Charlottetown, P.E.I., Quebec City, Halifax, N.S. and Waterloo, Ont.
morgan.modjeski@freepress.mb.ca
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