OTTAWA – New Democrat Charlie Angus (Timmins-James Bay) says the Conservative Government has crossed over the line by insinuating that police support for the gun registry represents a threat to Canada's freedom. The suggestion was made in an e-mail note Angus received from Garry Breitkreuz, Conservative Chair of the Public Safety Committee.

“I was flabbergasted to learn that the Tories are now using conspiracy theories to attack the integrity of our front line police officers,” said Angus. “When the Chief of Police in Timmins calls me to tell me that the registry is useful to his officers, as the MP I have to take that into account. I can’t stand by while Mr. Breitkreuz tries to smear their reputation for political gain.”

In an op-ed Monday, Conservative MP Garry Breitkreuz (Yorkton-Melville) attacked Canada’s chiefs of police for their support of the Long Gun registry, suggesting it was part of a plan to take guns away from citizens:

“Why are the police chiefs so strident in their quest to keep the registry in place? They won’t admit it, but it appears they don’t want Canadians to own guns. To that end, they need a database that will help them locate and seize those firearms as soon as a licence or registration expires.”

Angus says he is fed up with the smear tactics of the Tories.

“They have suppressed evidence. They have attacked anyone who questions them. Now the Chair of the Public Safety Committee has stooped to the level of crackpots and conspiracy theorists to undermine the police in this country."

Angus says he made it clear to Breitkreuz that such tactics will not sway any votes.

“I came to represent the concerns of rural residents and get answers on whether the gun registry is working or not. The Tories seem intent on sowing distrust between citizens and our police. The Government owes an apology to the police for this gutter conduct,” concluded Angus.