REVELSTOKE, BC – It’s time to end the divisive approach of the Conservative government and fix the long gun registry, says New Democrat Claude Gravelle (Nickel Belt).

“While I planned to further my discussions with caucus colleagues in Regina and announce my plans in Nickel Belt, the mounting rhetoric and divisive debate egged on by Conservative MPs has convinced me that I needed to make a decision sooner, rather than later,” said Gravelle.

“As I noted at the time of second reading of C-391, there are problems with the long gun registry which could easily be fixed to address the concerns of hunters, farmers and First Nations communities,” said Gravelle. “I had hoped that there would be a real opportunity to improve the bill and fix the registry at Committee. Unfortunately, but not surprisingly, Conservatives had no interest in working collaboratively with other parliamentarians because they had intended all along to use this bill as a fundraising tool, and as a cynical way of dividing rural and urban Canadians.”

“I will therefore be voting against Bill C-391,” concluded Gravelle.
Gravelle heard extensively from constituents, concerned stakeholders and enforcement personnel from his riding and across the country. And while there are legitimate views on both sides of this debate, Gravelle was particularly incensed at the accusation by Conservative MP, Gary Breitkreuz that the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police was only interested in “a database that will help them locate and seize those firearms as soon as a licence or registration expires,” and that their support of the registry was only “about public control.”

“This decision was not taken lightly,” said Gravelle. “I take my responsibilities as an elected Parliamentarian very seriously. I cannot in good conscious vote to eliminate the registry without Parliament having an in-depth review of amendments or alternatives to the program.”