Carney Revitalizes Gun Buyback Initiative to Combat Organized Crime

In a bold move to bolster public safety, Liberal Leader Mark Carney has announced plans to rejuvenate the long-awaited gun buyback program, left stagnant by the federal government for years. During a recent address in Brampton, Ontario, he outlined his comprehensive strategy to tackle organized crime and enhance gun control across Canada.

A Partnership with Public Safety

Carney's ambitious public safety agenda comes at a time when Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre promotes stringent crime policies. The proposed buyback initiative, aimed at assault-style rifles, was originally floated during the Liberal campaign of 2019, with hopes of launching it later this year after several delays.

Linking U.S. Gun Laws to Canadian Crime

The Liberal leader drew a direct connection between the rise in gun violence in Canada and lax gun regulations in the United States. Carney stated, "Criminals are exploiting irresponsible American gun laws and weak border enforcement to bring illegal firearms into our neighborhoods.” He emphasized the role of harmful online content as a recruitment tool for crime, declaring that his administration would take decisive action.

Stricter Measures for Repeat Offenders

Carney is determined to make it more difficult for violent repeat offenders to secure bail. His plan introduces a reverse onus provision, requiring those accused of crimes such as violent car theft and human trafficking to justify their release. This follows recent bail reform measures initiated by former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government.

Automatic Revocation of Gun Licences

In an effort to curb gun violence, Carney is pledging to automatically revoke gun licenses for individuals convicted of violent crimes. His public safety proposal further aims to recruit an additional 1,000 RCMP officers, coupled with new training for 1,000 Canada Border Services Agency personnel to better combat organized crime.

Proposed Changes to Criminal Law

Carney's proposals would also revamp the criminal code, allowing for consecutive sentences in certain cases and imposing harsher penalties for intimate partner and sexual violence. Notably, murder motivated by hate, including femicides, would be classified as a first-degree offense. Additionally, new measures would criminalize the distribution of non-consensual deepfakes and increase penalties for the unauthorized distribution of intimate images.

Carney Challenges Conservative Stance on Crime

In response to Poilievre's aggressive anti-crime proposals, which include a "three strikes" rule to ensure 10-year minimum sentences for repeat violent offenders, Carney remains firm in his strategy. Conservative candidate Larry Brock criticized Carney, claiming he is attempting to distract Canadians from the Liberal Party's record on crime over the past decade.

Rising Crime Rates Highlight Urgent Need for Action

Former Toronto police chief and current Liberal candidate Bill Blair acknowledged the rising crime rates, confirmed by Statistics Canada, which showed a 2% increase in crime for the third consecutive year. Blair asserted, “Canadians deserve to see that we are prepared to respond appropriately to the challenges they face.”