Today, our Government is one step closer to scrapping the federal long-gun registry. On November 4, 2009, the House of Commons voted in favour of Conservative MP, Candice Hoepnner’s Private Member`s Bill C-391 to repeal the long-gun registry. In addition to the unanimous support of Conservative MPs, Ms. Hoepnner`s Bill was also endorsed by eight Liberal and twelve NDP MPs who broke ranks with their leaders to vote in favour of the Bill.

Liberal Leader, Michael Ignatieff and NDP Leader, Jack Layton, have been unwavering in their support for the wasteful and ineffective long-gun registry. Contrary to the Liberal`s promise, the registry has not been effective in cracking down on crime. Instead, it has cost billions of dollars and has unfairly targeted law-abiding hunters and farmers.

Ms. Hoepnner’s Bill reflects the Conservative Government’s long-standing position to end the wasteful long-gun registry.  If passed, Bill C-391 will eliminate the requirement to register long-guns only. The registry will remain for restricted weapons, such as handguns, and Canadians will still be required to obtain a license for all firearms. No one can purchase or own a gun in Canada without a license. This has been and will continue to be the law.

It will be important for those Opposition MPs who have supported Bill C-391, thus far, to continue doing so as it proceeds through the legislative process. Having passed second reading, the Bill will now be reviewed by the Standing Committee on Public Safety, of which I am a member. It will then be read in the House of Commons for a third time before proceeding to the Senate.