Strengthen controls on handguns and assault weapons, and examine a full ban of both.

What success looks like

Reduced gun violence through balanced, effective firearms measures.

Government's narrative on progress

The government is developing effective firearms measures that prioritize public safety while ensuring law-abiding Canadians are not unduly impacted. To support this objective, the government established a more representative Firearms Advisory Committee that includes representation from law enforcement, civilian firearms users, public health advocates, women’s groups, farmers, conservation organizations, and the legal community. The government also reversed a ministerial directive that could have allowed gun manufacturers to determine the classification of their own products under certain conditions. On November 17, 2017, the government announced up to $327.6 million over five years, and $100 million annually thereafter, in new funding for initiatives to reduce gun crime and criminal gang activities. As announced in November 2018, the government’s Initiative to Take Action Against Gun and Gang Violence includes investments of $51.5 million for the Canada Border Services Agency and $34.5 million for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police that will help interrupt the flow of smuggled and trafficked firearms at the border while also providing additional resources for law enforcement to address gang activity and the criminal use of firearms. A Summit on Gun and Gang Violence was held in March 2018 to bring together stakeholders to share information on the realities, issues and best practices to combat criminal gun and gang violence. Also in March 2018, the government introduced legislation that prioritizes public safety and effective police work, while respecting law-abiding firearms owners. It will not recreate a federal long-gun registry. Throughout October 2018 and November 2018, the government led an engagement process, including in-person roundtable discussions across Canada, and online engagement on the topic of handguns and assault weapons. A summary report of the engagement activities will be made public in spring 2019.

Note: this is the government's own description, not an independent assessment.