The Sporting Clubs of Niagara
Newsletter
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Volume 20, Number 2 |
April 2014 |
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President’s Message
Hi everyone. Well, it looks like spring has finally arrived so it’s time to get your gear together and prepare for a new, safe season of shooting.
And of course, no new shooting season would be complete without some new bureaucratic skullduggery and this year is no exception.
In late February the RCMP decided to reclassify two rifles which had previously been deemed non-restricted as prohibited.
More about this will be explained later in the newsletter but suffice it to say that the government is taking a huge amount of heat over this issue and we will be urging you to keep up the pressure on them.
Of course this is just another example of the many flaws in the Firearms Act. Far too much power is vested with unaccountable agencies like the RCMP and provincial Chief Firearms Officers. Not surprisingly they have been all too willing to abuse that power at the expense of the law-abiding gun owners of Canada.
While we don’t have a crystal ball it’s possible that this time the RCMP may have pushed their luck a little too far. At a meeting with one local Conservative MP he told us that at their weekly caucus get together, a majority of speakers rose to complain about these latest RCMP antics and this strong a reaction MAY be enough to finally push the Public Safety Minister to rein in the RCMP’s abuse.
When you call or write your MP it is also an opportunity to illustrate to them why the Firearms Act needs to be completely revised or scrapped as Stephen Harper once promised.
On a positive note the spring bear hunt is on again, albeit it only in a select few hunting areas in northern Ontario. Apparently even the Liberals were smart enough to realize that when bears start walking down the main streets in northern towns maybe it was time to start thinning out their numbers to a sustainable level.
And speaking of the bear hunt, a 2014 provincial election looks more and more likely and should the Conservatives be elected they have committed to reinstating a full spring hunt so that is a potentially positive development as well.
In closing I would like to repeat something we have probably said a hundred times in our newsletters and that is that it is vitally important that you stay in contact with your local MP, the Safety Minister and the Prime Minister. The 2015 federal election is shaping up to be a real battle for the Conservatives to hold on to power. They will need every vote they can muster and it is at times like this that special interest groups like gun owners can effect the most change. There is no need to be abusive and threats are seldom effective but they have to be made aware that it is not just your vote they risk losing. In recent campaigns gun owners have done much of the legwork for CPC candidates, making donations, knocking on doors and putting up signs. They must be made to realize that these are also things they risk losing if gun owners stay home because the government let them down. This is not a threat, it’s a fact of life.
Emails are good, written letters are better, but DO SOMETHING.
And always remember, safety first when handling your firearms.
Bodo Eichhorn |
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Prohibitions
As noted in the editorial, in late February the RCMP announced that they were reclassifying two previously non-restricted rifles (the Swiss Arms family of rifles and some versions of the Czech CZ858) to prohibited status. What this meant in a nutshell was that guns that people were hunting and target shooting with suddenly couldn’t even be taken out of the house. Furthermore, since no more firearms can be added to the prohibited registry there was no alternative but to turn them in with (get this) NO COMPENSATION.
These prohibitions affect approximately 2000 Swiss Arms rifles retailing at about $4000 each and 10000 CZ rifles worth about $700 each. That equals some $15 million dollars worth of legally acquired private property that the RCMP decided should be turned in for nothing.
To make matters more bizarre, the Swiss Arms guns have been imported for more than ten years and the CZ rifles for more than seven years and both were originally approved for import as non-restricted rifles by, you guessed it, the RCMP.
Needless to say the reaction from gun owners was swift and dramatic. Letters, phone calls and email flooded MPs offices. Safety Minister Steven Blaney was visibly angry when informed what the RCMP had done and vowed to rectify the situation.
To add to the confusion in the case of the CZ858, only guns made in certain years were prohibited. Guns made in other years that appear identical remain non-restricted.
As it stands now, here is the situation: changing the law to revert these guns back to non-restricted status will require at least new regulations and perhaps even new legislation, which could take months to bring into effect.
As a stop gap measure Blaney announced an amnesty which prevents owners of these guns from being prosecuted or the guns confiscated. However, as the guns currently remain classified as prohibited they cannot be used for hunting or taken to gun ranges. In addition, because they are prohibited, owners must also store them according to the prohibited regulations rather than the non-restricted regulations. Are you confused yet?
Blaney has promised that no owners of these guns will suffer as a result of these reclassifications but what that means is unclear. If it means compensation then that is completely unacceptable. People buy their guns to use them, not to trade them in for money.
In addition, it would set a dangerous precedent because the RCMP could proceed to ban more guns and just say, well you’re getting your money back so you have no complaint.
It is an established fact that the RCMP has already formulated a list of guns that are currently non-restricted or restricted that they don’t think Canadians should be able to own.
A second problem is that it is OUR MONEY they are buying them back with. Furthermore, if you carry this strategy to its logical conclusion they could ban all guns, pay compensation and reach their ultimate goal of a totally disarmed civilian population.
Based on their current performance these clowns are the last people I want to be the only ones with firearms.
Our sources indicate that the government is moving to strike down the two prohibited reclassifications but we have no further details at the moment.
When you are talking or writing to your MP, two main issues need to be driven home to them. The first is that the RCMP cannot be in charge of the classification process. Even if these two guns revert to non-restricted status it is only matter of time before they pull this same stunt with another gun or guns. The only way the government can permanently get rid of this headache is to make sure the RCMP is out of the classification loop.
The second issue is that the current firearm classification system has to be completely revised. As it stands now guns are prohibited based on things like colour, is it made of plastic or whether the stock has a pistol grip. That frankly, is simply idiotic.
So far TSCON has been in close contact with MPs Rick Dykstra and Dean Allison and both are firmly onside with us. We submitted to Dykstra’s office a list of proposals which he has personally delivered to Minister Blaney.
Now we have to wait and see what happens. In the meantime it is vitally important that you continue to write or email to Blaney and Stephen Harper and politely but firmly let them know that this is a watershed issue for the government with an election less than eighteen months away.
As new developments occur we will keep you posted via the updates on our website. |
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Still Thinking about Voting Liberal?
As sad as it may be there are still gun owners who think that the Liberals may be a viable alternative to the Conservatives. If you’re one of those people you should read the following motion that came forth from the Young Liberals of Canada at the Feb. 2014 Liberal Policy Convention: “Motion 151 - Fewer Guns, Less Violence WHEREAS evidence demonstrates a clear relationship between the number of firearms in a society and the number of firearm‑related homicides and suicides; WHEREAS gun violence in our urban and suburban centres remains a significant threat to public safety; WHEREAS incidents of firearm‑related crimes, deaths and injuries decrease when access to firearms is combined with effective policies that keep firearms out of the hands of those who would use them to for such purposes; WHEREAS the Australian Conservative government of John Howard successfully reduced the number of firearms in that country through proactive initiatives such as gun buybacks which led to decreases in the rates of firearm‑related crimes, homicides and suicides; BE IT RESOLVED that the primary objective of a Liberal government firearms policy shall be reducing the number of firearms in Canada through initiatives inspired by the Australian model.”
Fortunately this motion was voted down but the reason was not because the Liberals have gotten soft on guns. MP Wayne Easter summed it up when he commented that the gun issue had cost Liberals up to 60 seats in rural Canada. They hope to regain some of those but that will not be accomplished by trumpeting how much new gun control they are going to bring in. Should they form the government, however, all bets are off and you can rest assured that they will be back again with a vengeance so be warned if you think Trudeau II looks like a viable alternative to Stephen Harper.
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CSSA Legal Action
The court action being brought by CSSA against the Ontario Chief Firearms Office (CFO) is still waiting for the next court date. In the meantime CSSA is interested in hearing about difficulties you may have had complying with the new invitation requirements of the ATTs. Direct any occurrences of this type to: Edward Burlew LL.B. Barrister & Solicitor 16 John Street Thornhill ON L3T 1X8.
Donations to help defray the mounting legal costs can be sent to CSSA at: “ATT Challenge” 116 Galaxy Blvd, Etobicoke ON M9W 4Y6 or call the CSSA at 416‑679‑9959, fax 416‑679‑9910, or toll free 1‑888‑873‑4339.
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Bruce Montague Update
Bruce had his last court appearance at the Ontario Court of Appeal on Nov. 15 in Toronto but five months later no decision has been rendered so he continues to wait.
At stake is over $100,000 in personal property which Bruce had seized when he was initially arrested. The provincial Liberals are perverting anti-organized crime laws to go after ordinary citizens like Montague because he challenged a bad law in court and now he risks losing all his property including his family home.
For the complete story on this injustice go to:: http://theccf.ca/?s=montague&submit=Search We thank the Canadian Constitution Foundation for taking on Bruce’s case and ask you to make a tax refundable donation to them ($25 or more). Be sure to note that you are donating to the Bruce Montague case. CCF 1830 ‑ 52 Street SE Suite 240 Calgary, AB T2B 1N1
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CSSA Annual General Meeting
This year the Canadian Shooting Sports Association is holding it’s Annual General Meeting in Niagara Falls, ON on Saturday, April 26 at the Fallsview Marriott Hotel.
The Annual General Meeting takes place at 10 AM and all CSSA members are encouraged to attend. The “Stick To Your Guns” dinner starts at 6 PM followed by lots of draws for prizes including guns, hunting and shooting equipment. At last count there are over $10,000 worth of prizes available.
For more information or to register call the CSSA @ 1-888-873-4339.
Plan to get together with your friends to attend this function and let’s support one of Canada’s best pro-firearm support groups.
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Year Two with No LGR
Two years ago at midnight on April 5, 2012 the Long Gun Registry ceased to exist. And ever since then the streets have been running red with the blood of innocent gunshot victims.......oh, wait, no they haven’t. In fact, Canada’s firearm homicide rate has dropped to its lowest levels since the 1960's.
This simply goes to prove what we have said all along...laws that target the law-abiding have no effect on crime. Now we just have to see if the government is willing to get rid of more ‘feel good but are useless’ firearm laws.
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Niagara Landowners Association AGM
The Annual General Meeting of the Niagara Landowners Association will take place on Friday, May 2, 2014 @ 7 PM at the Rockway Community Hall, 2021 Pelham Rd, St. Catharines (2 km west of the Henry of Pelham winery). Everyone is welcome. For more info call 905-380-3803.
Unfortunately due to scheduling problems this is the same night as the TSCON gun show. However, for the ambitious among you if you get to the gun show early you should be able make it to the NLA AGM as well.
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Red Fridays
Please remember to wear red on Fridays to show your support for our troops.
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2014 Memberships
If you received a 2014 membership card in this mailing you are NOT a current member of TSCON. Non-members receive only one newsletter a year. Can you afford to be uninformed about the firearm issue? Not if you care about your guns, you can’t!
Please take the time to renew right now. Maybe even throw in a few extra dollars as a donation if you can spare them.
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Your Rights are in the Cards!
Our laminated wallet-sized printed cards declaring your right to remain silent and ask for a lawyer when you are stopped by the police are still available. With the nonsense going on with the Ontario CFO it is more critical now than ever that you be aware of your rights. At a cost of only $1 per card to defray the cost of production it is the cheapest legal protection you can get. 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.
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TSCON Meeting Schedule
TSCON meets the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month. A complete meeting schedule for 2014 is posted on our website. Newsletters and gun shows will still continue as before.
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TSCON Decals and Bumper Stickers
TSCON now has several styles of multi-coloured TSCON decals for sale. They are available with adhesive back to stick anywhere or static cling design for car windows or other smooth surfaces. The price is only $1 ea. so get yours for your car, gun box, etc. at the gun show. We also have “Long Gun Registry Gone, More Bad Gun Laws Next” bumper stickers available for sale at $2 each. Get them at the TSCON table at the gun show.
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Gun Show Dates
Dates for our next 2014 gun shows are as follows: Sept. 5 Dec. 12
Gun Show Location
Merritton Community Centre, 7 Park Ave., St. Catharines. If you want tables for the May 2, 2014 show contact John Orth right away @ 905-562-7686.
THIS SHOW IS NEARLY SOLD OUT SO IF YOU WANT TABLES, CALL EARLY!
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Notice to Gun Show Vendors
If you can’t make it to a gun show DO NOT call the Merritton Community Centre unless it is the day of the show after 3:00 PM. There is seldom anyone at the hall to answer the phone and your message WILL NOT BE PASSED ON TO US IN TIME.
If you are going to be late ON THE DAY OF THE GUN SHOW you should call John Orth ASAP at the Merritton Community Centre (905-682-0098) so he can hold your tables. Otherwise, they will be rented to walk-in vendors after the 6:00 p.m. cutoff.
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Walk-Ins With Guns
If you are bringing guns to the gun show to sell we insist that the following procedure be followed: It must be checked by TSCON security at the admission gate to ensure that it is in a safe condition and unloaded. The firearm must also have a trigger lock (available for purchase) or zip tie (also available) and the action must be open.
Anyone not complying with this procedure will not be allowed to bring their firearms into the show.
We hope that you will agree with this policy as we must make safety our highest priority.
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Free Classified Ads
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. 20 #3 Aug. 1, 2014 >Vol. 20 #4 Nov. 10, 2014
Remember that you have to call each time you want the ad to run. It WILL NOT be repeated without your confirmation.
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Classified Ads
For Sale: Back in Stock, Lever action hammer locks, the only lock that locks most lever and single hammer guns without damaging the stock or metal parts. They fit through the lever, around the wrist and behind the hammer, preventing the hammer from being cocked and the lever from being cycled. Quantity of 3 or more can be shipped at reasonable shipping cost via Canada Post. Call for info on shipping costs. Cost is $5 ea. Cable Locks ‑ Show Special $5.00 ea., 15" cable locks with keys. Can be used on either pistols or lever rifles and some shotguns. Two cable diameters are available. All coated with plastic to protect your firearm. Metal Trigger Locks (keyed alike), 1 lock @ $6.50, 3 locks @ $15.00 Call Lorie 905‑295‑8364 or see me at the gun show
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TSCON Inquiries?
General 905-685-4480 Membership 905-685‑8826 Gun Show 905-562‑7686 Mail TSCON, Box 21047, St. Catharines, ON, L2M 7X2
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TSCON Meetings
Where? St. Catharines Game and Fish Building next to the boat ramp on Lighthouse Road in St. Catharines in Port Dalhousie When? 2nd & 4thWednesday of each month at 7:00 PM Who? Members and non‑ members alike are welcome to attend .
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TSCON Web Site
http://www.thesportingclubsofniagara.com Comments or suggestions?? Call Vlad at 905-371-1563 or John at 905-562-7686
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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 905‑685‑8826.
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"An unarmed man can only flee from evil, and evil is not overcome by fleeing from it." ‑ Col. Jeff Cooper
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DRAW PRIZE WINNERS
The following members are winners in our latest draw. Call Gerry at 905-685-4480 to arrange to claim your prize.
Winner Prize Donated By
Andy Clark (Niagara Falls) TSCON T-shirt The Sporting Clubs of Niagara Nigel Durrant (St. Catharines) Gun Cleaning Kit The Sporting Clubs of Niagara Harvey Thalen (Welland) Pocket Knife The Sporting Clubs of Niagara Don Feduck (Welland) Free PAL Test (transferrable) Firearms Education School (John Kellaway)
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>>G UN S HOW<<
Friday, May 2, 2014, 6:00-9:30 pm Merritton Community Centre, 7 Park Ave. St. Catharines
ADMISSION $5
Buy, Sell or Trade, 130+ tables of Antique and Modern Firearms, Knives, Hunting Accessories, Militaria, Books and Gun Parts
For tables or information call John @ 905-562‑7686
“Remember Bill C-68 When You Vote”
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