Gun owners wonder what the future holds for sport shooting after proposed federal change

KAMLOOPS — The federal government has proposed a national freeze on importing, buying or selling handguns as part of the tabled Bill C-21 from last week. The bill would also remove gun licenses from people involved in acts of domestic violence or criminal harassment.

The federal government’s move to limit the purchase and sale of many handguns in Canada is meant to target criminals but will affect many law-abiding residents.

In Kamloops this past weekend, competitors in the International Practical Shooting Confederation say should the bill pass, it would kill the sport.

“The laws in Canada are already extremely restrictive toward pistols and I don’t think this legislation will impact those committing gun crimes in Canada at this time,” says Kamloops Target Sports Association member Geoff House.

Former Crown prosecutor and current defense lawyer Iain Currie agreed with House in that it won’t affect people committing gun crimes.

“To some extent, it’s the government reacting to something that is obviously a giant issue in the [United States] and is something that’s very pressing. It seems to me the government wants to be seen doing something as opposed to actually dealing with the problem.”

Many of the competitors at Sunday’s (June 5) competition say Bill C-21 is targeting the wrong people. Worldwide competitor Dawn Deeley says the sport is safer than people may think.

“This particular sport has an added safety component to it. Before we are allowed to compete, we are vetted even higher than the average gun owner. Additionally to that, there are thousands and thousands of people who compete in international competitions all over the world. Trillions of rounds are fired down range every year and nobody gets hurt.”

Handgun owners and sport shooting competitors in these events in Canada may have no choice but to quit if the bill is enacted.

Part of a younger generation being introduced to the sport, Matthew House says he may never be able to compete.

“Obviously, I’m not going to be able to own a firearm at this point if it goes through. If it goes through, I’ll never be able to own one or even be able to shoot one. What’s basically the current generation of shooters is going to be the end of it — which is kind of sad. I enjoy doing this and it’s a good skill. it teaches you more things other than just how to shoot.”

“The potential magazine restrictions from 10 to five will make it very difficult to continue to compete in this sport. The inability to purchase a firearm will restrict new members joining us. Much of our membership is aging so the sport’s lifespan will be ending soon now that this is going,” Geoff House adds.