Liberal Canada

[Specforces]

Ottawa to make changes to gun registry
Last Updated Wed, 19 May 2004 20:45:03

OTTAWA - CBC News has learned that the federal government is about to announce changes to the controversial gun registry, just days before an expected election call.

The Liberals will announce an end to the gun registration and transfer fees on Thursday, though the change won't be retroactive.

However, contrary to other reports, the changes will not include decriminalizing registry offences.

The package will also include increased public safety measures to strengthen the capacity of law enforcement agencies to deal with gun crime and smuggling. There will also be measures to strengthen Criminal Code penalties for possession of loaded handguns in public places.

Also included in the announcement will be a plan to support police with new technology systems with the creation of three new ballistic information systems that can match bullets with weapons.

The new systems will be located in Halifax, Regina and Vancouver. Similar systems already exist in Montreal, Toronto and Ottawa.

The government will also spell out how it plans to control the spiralling costs of the gun registry program.

The changes come as a result of a three-month nationwide review by Liberal cabinet minister Albina Guarnieri, and after cabinet discussions.

http://www.cbc.ca/stories/2004/05/19/canada/guns040519