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Many Canadians have doubts that a federal freeze on handguns would be effective in deterring firearms-related crimes, an in-house Privy Council study has found.
"Most were unsure as to the practicalities and realities of such a policy," said the study titled “Continuous Qualitative Data Collection of Canadians' Views,” which also said that “a large number expressed concerns about a potential freeze."
"Several felt such a law would have little to no effect on the prevalence of firearms-related crimes, believing those intending to use handguns for illicit activities would not be deterred by any new regulations," the study said.
The confidential report, obtained by Blacklock’s Reporter, was dated June 28—a month after the cabinet introduced Bill C-21, which seeks to amend the Criminal Code and the Firearms Act along with other legislation to prohibit new sales of handguns. The Privy Council commissioned the study under a $2.4 million contract for ongoing monthly focus groups with the Strategic Counsel, according to Blacklock’s. The bill has yet to pass the House or Senate....