Police unions blast Trudeau for misleading Canadians on handgun freeze
Police unions across Canada are refuting Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s latest claim that the Liberal government’s handgun freeze has enhanced public safety.
Trudeau celebrated two years since introducing the handgun freeze on Monday, claiming that the policy has ended the purchase, sale and transfer of handguns in Canada.
“We choose your safety over the gun lobby — every time,” he said.
However, the post quickly resulted in a flurry of responses from police unions and gun experts, calling out Trudeau for misleading Canadians.
For example, the Toronto Police Association said that “criminals did not get your message,” highlighting that the communities policed by union members have seen a 45% increase in shootings and a 62% increase in gun-related homicides compared to last year.
“What difference does your handgun ban make when 85% of guns seized by our members can be sourced to the United States?” asked the association. “Your statement is out of touch and offensive to the victims of crime and police officers everywhere. Whatever you think you’ve done to improve community safety, has not worked.”
Edmonton’s police chief previously warned that the handgun ban could increase trafficking.
In a record gun bust, Peel Regional Police reported that 97% of seized firearms were smuggled from the United States.
Former police officer and Conservative candidate Ron Chhinzer said that in his entire career, neither he nor a colleague had seized a lawfully owned firearm from a criminal.