Canada Bans Assault-Style Weapons

Today, at a news conference in Ottawa, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Canada will ban military-style assault weapons. This news comes on the heels of the deadliest mass shooting in Canadian history. However, talks about stricter gun laws have been ongoing in Canada, even before the recent mass shooting.

“These weapons were designed for one purpose and one purpose only: to kill the largest number of people in the shortest amount of time. There is no use and no place for such weapons in Canada, ” Trudeau said during his announcement.

Details About the Assault Weapons Ban

Effective immediately, the ban prohibits the buying, selling, using, importing, or transporting of weapons deemed “military-grade” assault weapons.  The ban lists more than 1,500 different models,  including those used by Wortman in the shooting last month. Trudeau states that there will be a two-year amnesty period for law-abiding gun owners. Additionally, Canada will draft legislation to ensure fair compensation.

While there is a two-year amnesty period, use of the firearms is banned immediately. Justice Minister David Lametti stated that gun owners may return the banned guns to the manufacturer or sell and export them. Gun owners who are not in compliance with the assault weapon ban by the end of the amnesty period will face sanctions.

Mass Shooting in Nova Scotia

Last month, Gabriel Wortman killed 22 people and injured three others in the province of Nova Scotia. After committing multiple shootings and setting multiple fires, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police shot and killed Wortman. Because he was reported to have been armed with multiple semi-automatic rifles and pistols, the shooting became a tipping point in the gun control debate in Canada.

For a more detailed look at the list of banned firearms, you can go here.

For more information as this story develops, visit Recoilweb.com.

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