Semi-Auto Ban Coming?

Dawson College

The Dawson College shootings on Sept. 13, 2006 have, at least temporarily, altered the direction gun control in Canada is going and it is possible that once again law-abiding Canadians are going to be made the scapegoats for the actions of a solitary social misfit.

To gun owners the shootings were proof yet again that the $2 billion plus dollars spent on the firearm registry were completely wasted. In a somewhat bizarre break from the normal pattern of an unlicenced nutbar with unregistered firearms, the Dawson gunman had actually gone through all the necessary procedures to legally obtain his firearms. As is typically the case, however, the police never bothered to check his references which might have revealed his disturbed ramblings on a Goth website, yet seem ready to blame (once again!) the guns he used to commit the crime.

Liberal Opportunists

Never ones to let themselves be confused by the facts, many Liberal MPs quickly tried to capitalized on the tragedy by calling for more stringent gun control measures while anti-gun activists like Wendy Cukier were virtually dancing in the blood of the victims as they quickly trumpeted a similar need for even more controls despite clear evidence that the controls they pushed for previously had done no good whatsoever.

To his credit, Prime Minister Stephen Harper didn't take the bait, calling the shootings a "...cowardly and senseless act of violence." but refusing to jump on the gun control bandwagon.

Quebec politicians were perhaps the most opportunistic, from Premier Jean Charest to BQ leader Gilles Duceppe calling for more stringent controls on guns while all the time ignoring the fact that it is in Quebec, where support for gun control is the highest in Canada, that the worst shooting incidents have occurred.

Simple Minds

In the best 'simple solutions for simple minds' tradition there were immediate calls to ban firearms, notably those of the semi-automatic variety, given that the shooter had at least two semi-autos in his possession (one a handgun and the other a restricted rifle). The irony is that his third gun was a pump action 12 gauge shotgun which, if he had used it, would have no doubt have greatly boosted the number of fatalities (which in the end totaled one student plus the shooter, who committed suicide).

The Bad News

We have it on good authority that the Conservatives are under considerable pressure (notably from Bloc MPs) to enact a ban on semi-automatic firearms, particularly restricted rifles. This, of course, is akin to banning all Ford SUV's if a drunk driver uses one to mow down a mother and her kids as they cross the street. It makes no sense and will have no effect but it lets the politicians say they have 'done something' about the perceived problem.

Gun Ban Coming?

On Nov. 4, 2006 a warning was posted on the website http://www.canadiangunnutz.com in which the poster states that he had a contact inside the Conservative Party who maintained that the Conservative Party was about to announce the prohibition of all currently-restricted long-guns (e.g. the AR-15, Beretta CX-4 Storm (the gun used in the shootings), M1 Carbine, etc.) as well as specific non-restricted semi-autos like the Ruger Mini-14, the various makes of SKS rifles, the Norinco M305 (M-14), Robarm M-96, Armalite AR-180B, etc.

This sent shock waves through the firearm community and in literally a matter of hours a massive letter writing, faxing, e-mailing and phone calling campaign was under way to contact Conservative and other MPs and warn them of the consequences of such a move.

Stalled for Now?

The large scale response seems to have stalled the plan for now. Within 24 hours, MPs were sending out denials that such a plan was in the works and that it was all a rumour. This is untrue and we know it. It was not just a rumour and it was being considered very seriously. One need only look at the responses to realize that such a move could very possibly take place in the near future.

Political Doubletalk

For example, Stockwell Day assured MP Garry Breitkreuz on Nov. 8 that "There will be no reclassification of firearms." However, he does not say there will be no banning of firearms. And MP David Emerson released a statement that said in part "...the government is currently in consultation regarding the possible reclassification of restricted firearms." An MP near (but not in) the Niagara Region first released a statement which read "I called the office the Hon. Stockwell Day.... They said that there may be some firearms reclassifications, but at this point they cannot confirm what if any. They are mindful of those with outdoor traditions and of collectors like yourself." He then quickly changed his tune and in his next note a day later said "Please accept my sincere apologies on the flawed information I passed on in my earlier statement. There are no consultations underway specific (our emphasis added) to semi-automatic or repeating firearms. That is a mistake."

Now perhaps the MP is an idiot, but we suspect that his first note was what he saw happening and the second note is what he was told to say when the sh*t hit the fan. Also please note the words that keep cropping up (or don't) in the correspondence - no reference to banning but lots about reclassification. Remember that if a rifle is reclassified as "Prohibited" it can no longer be used, as current regulations prevent them from being taken to shooting ranges or used for hunting. It also means confiscation with no compensation. Reference is made to outdoor traditions (hunting?) but not about target shooting.

Letter Writing Campaign

There are lessons to be learned from this. First, there are a lot of gun owners out there (far more than the government anticipated) who are becoming very politically active. Second, politicians respond to pressure and the possibility of losing votes will force them to change direction.

In the past ten months we have had a promised ban on handguns from the Liberals and consideration of a ban on many long guns from the Conservatives. If there are gun owners in Canada who still think their guns are safe from the government they must truly be brain dead. If the next shooting takes place with a pump shotgun does anyone really believe the government would not move to ban those. Please!

The Plan

Letters, faxes and phone calls are needed. Don't e-mail (they are too easily ignored or deleted). Here's who to contact:

Your MP's Name
House of Commons
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0A6

Hon. Stockwell Day Minister of Public Safety
House of Commons
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0A6

Rt. Hon. Stephen Harper Prime Minister
House of Commons
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0A6

The letter should focus on these two main points:

1. The government must keep it's promise to end the long gun registry.

2. The government must not enact any restrictions on any semi-automatic or other firearms.

***please don't get into other issues like concealed carry, mag capacity, etc. Keep focused on the above two items***

Letters should be positive and favorable towards the government. They are still our friends. If your MP is in opposition, write anyway. Nobody cares about grammar or spelling here, we just want the letters written and SENT! Put it down on paper and send it. No stamps are needed for these letters. Once you've done that, you're not finished. Make anyone you know who has guns do the same. Print off these instructions and hand them to every gun owner you can find.

Folks, this is it. We stop them here and now, or we don't. We have to make our voices heard. We need more letters from us than them in every MP's office.

Firearms Advisory Committee

In the last issue we noted the formation of the Canadian Firearms Advisory Committee which the Conservative government had struck to look at revising Canadian Firearm legislation. We are pleased to note that one of our main concerns, that grassroots firearms groups were not represented on the committee, has been addressed and at least two committee members fall into that category.

Of course, the anti-firearm groups are none too pleased that only pro-firearm individuals are on the committee. Wendy Cukier (this woman really has no shame) went so far as to complain that "Their (the members) perspective is somewhat formed by their personal interests..." as if her perspective isn't.

While details regarding the committee proceedings and members have not yet been made public, Safety Minister Stockwell Day has said the abolition of the (firearm) registry would be followed up with stricter controls on issuing of permits. Among those now advising his department on the establishment of the stricter controls are weapons dealers, a hunting association and some police officers who have come out against the registry and other members of the firearm community. We will advise you of developments as they are released to the public.

Bruce Montague

It was expected that Bruce Montague's constitutional challenge to The Firearms Act would begin in late September. However, the Ontario government has continued to stall proceedings and the latest date we have for the beginning of the trial is March 12, 2007. The longer the case drags on the more financial assistance Bruce needs. Remember that if he wins we all win (big time!) Please send a donation in whatever amount you can spare. Make your cheque payable to the:

"Bruce Montague Scrap C-68 Fund"
RR#2, Site 211, Box 7
Dryden, ON P8N 2Y5

Also check out information on the challenge at:

http://www.brucemontague.ca

Latest Firearm Homicide Statistics

On November 8, 2006, Statistics Canada released their 2005 Homicide report. Perhaps the most startling statistic is that after $2 billions plus dollars and years of more and more restrictions the firearm homicide rate is the same as it was 20 years ago. Furthermore, the number of firearm homicides increased for the third year in a row, from 161 in 2003 to 172 in 2004 to 222 in 2005, the highest number since 1992. It should also be noted that while these numbers continue to expose the false promises of the gun control crowd, if it were not for constantly improving medical treatment this number would be even higher.

A few other facts are worth noting. Of the homicide guns recovered, only 29% were ever registered. Furthermore, only about 20% of the those committing murders had firearm licences. With numbers like these it is hard to believe that anyone could continue to push for more 'Canadian style' gun control and still keep a straight face.

Muddled Media

This issue's award for the dumbest firearm comment goes to writer Tony Riccuito in the Aug. 24 edition of The Standard (St. Catharines). In the story "Killer Gets Life Term" Riccuito cogently notes that the victim was "...shot with a .22 gauge single shot rifle". Incidentally, this is Riccuito's 2nd award for gun writing boobery. Apparently he is a slow learner.

2007 Memberships

All 2006 memberships expire on Dec. 31/2006. If you received a 2007 membership card in this mailing or if your mailing label reads "06" or earlier you are not a paid up member for 2007. Please take the time to renew right now.

Help us to be financially prepared for the next election by renewing your 2007 membership. Maybe even throw in a few extra dollars as a donation if you can spare them.

Membership is still just $10 a year! Aren't your guns worth it?

Useful Web Sites

Want to keep informed about developments on the Canadian gun scene? Here are two good web sites that will keep you up to speed on the latest developments.

http://www.canadiangunnutz.com

http://gcc.guncontrolcanada.com/semi-autoban.html

2007 Executive

The following people are the Executive of "The Sporting Clubs of Niagara" for 2007 (Save for future reference)

President Bodo Eichhorn
1st Vice-President Bob LeGrand
2nd Vice-President Carson Moore
Secretary Verna LeGrand
Treasurer Ladi Plut
Gun Show Chairman Carson Moore
Past President Gerry Gamble
Executive Directors
Barry Devereux (Honourary)
Sam Arnold
Ivan Chamberlain
John Gayder
James Houlden
John Kellaway
Paul Kovacs
Robert Lockhart
Rick McConnery
Al McKie
John Orth
Ron Penfound
Gilbert Pinney
Bill Staff
Richard Stewart
Ted Valliere
Jack Warner
Shirley Warner

Your Rights are in the Cards!

Our laminated wallet-sized printed cards declaring your right to remain silent and ask for a lawyer when it appears that the police are overstepping their authority when questioning you in dubious circumstances are proving extremely popular (which is a little scary when you think of it).

We are only asking for $1 per card to defray the cost of production. If you want cards mailed to you please send a stamped, self-addressed envelope with your request. More info on this is on our website in archived copies of newsletter Vol. 11 #4 and Vol. 12 #1.

TSCON Web Site

All our newsletters as well as other interesting and informative information are available on our web site: http://www.vaxxine.com/scon

Comments or suggestions?? Call John at 905-562-7686

Gun Show Dates

Confirmed dates for our 2007 gun shows are as follows:

Feb. 16
April 27
Sept. 7
Dec. 14

Gun Show Location

Merritton Community Centre, 7 Park Ave., St. Catharines

If you want tables for the Dec. 8/06 show, contact Carson Moore right away at 905-934-6469. Shows usually sell out and often we do not have tables for all our vendors. If you want tables, call early!

Notice to Gun Show Vendors

re: late arrivals - If you think you are going to be late to the gun show you should call Carson Moore ASAP at the Merritton Community Centre 905-682-0098 so he can hold your tables. Otherwise, he may rent them to walk-in vendors after the 6:00 p.m. cutoff.

Trigger Locks for Sale

The Sporting Clubs of Niagara has trigger locks for sale. They aren't fancy and they take a few seconds to put on and take off but they are legal. Locks are only $1.00 each! Pick them up at the club table at the gun show or call any member of the Executive. Large quantities available!

Free Classified Ads for Members

Classified ads for shooting related items are free for members. Please call 905-685-4480 and submit ads by the dates listed for inclusion in the next newsletter:

Vol. 13 #1 Jan. 7, 2007
Vol. 13 #2 April 6, 2007

Classified Ads

For Sale: 12,000 Excel 255 gr. FP cast bullets for 45 Long Colt, $35/1000. Good for cowboy action. Call Gerry 905-685-4480

For Sale: Mossberg 12 gauge shotgun, bolt action , 22" barrel, full choke, $50. Call Chester 905-637-7531

Unknown make 12 gauge shotgun, side by side, break action, 24" double barrel. $50. Call Chester 905-637-7531

Sako Model 95, .375 magnum, with scope, $500 or best offer. Call Chester 905-637-7531

TSCON Inquiries?

General 905-685-4480 or 905-937-2301

Memberships 905-685-4480

Gun Show 905-934-6469

FAX 905-934-8039

Mail
TSCON
Box 21047
St. Catharines, ON
L2M 7X2

Weekly Meetings

Where? St. Catharines Game and Fish Building, next to the boat ramp on Lighthouse Road in Port Dalhousie

When? Wednesdays, 7:00 pm.

Who? Members and non-members alike are welcome to attend.

Moved, Address Changes, Etc.

To notify us of address changes, duplicate mailings, to be removed from the mailing list or to request a copy of the newsletter call 905-685-4480.

Quote of the Month

"Laws that forbid the carrying of arms ... disarm only those who are neither inclined nor determined to commit crimes." ...Thomas Jefferson, 1775