SUDBURY – Sudbury MP Glenn Thibeault today announced his support for Jack Layton’s plan to find a compromise on the gun registry that brings rural and urban communities together.

“I went to Ottawa to work to make our community safer and stronger—not to drive it apart,” said Thibeault. “That’s why I will be standing with Jack Layton, not Stephen Harper and Garry Breitkreuz, on the long gun registry. We need to find a solution that brings rural and urban Canadians together and so far Jack Layton is the only one showing the leadership to do just that.”

Thibeault made the announcement flanked by members of the Greater Sudbury police, Ontario Provincial Police Chief Superintendent Scott Todd, hospital chief of staff Dr. Chris Bourdon & Emergency services personnel, Marlene Gorman, executive director of the YWCA, Richard Paquin and Anne-Marie McInnes, President and Vice-President of Mine Mill 598 and many other community members all looking for a practical solution.

Thibeault had previously voted to send Bill C-391 to committee for a proper study and to learn more about the issue. Since then, countless conversations with experts and local constituents have convinced him that the Conservative position would be a step back for public safety, and that a new way forward was needed.

Greater Sudbury Police Chief Frank Elsner commended the Sudbury MP for the support of his officers.

“The Long Gun Registry is a valuable tool to keep Sudburians and our police officers safe,” said Chief Elsner. “I commend Glenn in looking past the politics and trying to find a practical solution that preserves the registry while addressing the real concerns of gun owners.”

Thibeault said that he has been particularly shocked by Conservative claims that gun control is just a conspiracy for the police to take away guns from rural Canadians.

“I have spent the summer listening to my constituents and community leaders. I made up my mind based on what I was hearing from folks like Chief Elsner,” Thibeault said. “It is easy to drive wedges between people, but it takes leadership to bring them together.”