TRUDEAU’S LIBERAL GOVERNMENT ACTS TO COMBAT INCREASE IN GUN VIOLENCE

Crime rates in Canada have been declining over the last two decades, however offences related to firearms have become more prevalent.  There has been a 30% increase in criminal violations involving firearms since 2013, with 2,465 violations in 2016.Gun related violence, including homicides and criminal gang activities has been rising significantly.  There were 223 gun homicides in 2016, up from 134 in 2013.

The Trudeau Government is investing $86 million for initiatives that will combat gun violence in Canadian communities.  This includes: $51.5 million for the CBSA, to help prevent firearms from entering Canada illegally through the land borders and airports, and $34.5 million for the RCMP to strengthen investigations, training, and intelligence.  This funding will allow the CBSA to invest in an all-weather detector dog training facility, deploy new dog teams at key highway crossings, expand x-ray technology at postal centers and air cargo facilities, and provide training on the detection of concealed goods in vehicles crossing our borders.  With this funding the RCMP will enhance the Integrated Criminal Firearms Initiative (ICFI). The ICFI includes building capacity for investigations, training, inspections, technology, and intelligence.Keeping Canadian families and children safe is a top priority for the Trudeau Government.

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“It is important that we act swiftly to maintain safe communities, which are able to hold the confidence of Canadian families.  Our children deserve to grow up in a neighborhood, where they can play and learn, free of gun violence.  In Peel Region alone, we have seen a 77% increase in shootings over the last three years.  Since January 2018, 47 people have been shot in Peel.   We need to give law enforcement the tools and resources to keep guns and gangs out of our neighbourhoods.  Our Liberal Government, led by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, is invested $86 million in the CBSA and RCMP to stop guns at the border and to help crack down on gang activity involving gun trafficking and violence.”

Resources: One picture of Ms. Kamal Khera, Member of Parliament (Brampton West).

About Ms. Kamal Khera – Ms. Kamal Khera is the Member of Parliament for Brampton West and the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of International Development.  She is a registered nurse, community volunteer and a political activist.  Ms. Khera serves on the Foreign Affairs and International Development Committee as a non-voting member.