OTTAWA, Feb. 10, 2017 /CNW/ - To protect our diverse communities across the country, the Government of Canada must strive for the most appropriate firearms policies, laws and regulations. A new Canadian Firearms Advisory Committee (CFAC) will help achieve that objective.
Today, the Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, announced the appointment of three new CFAC members, in an effort to make a refreshed committee more inclusive and representative.
A retired justice of the Supreme Court of Canada, the Honourable John C. (Jack) Major, will serve as Chair. He brings a wealth of legal and judicial expertise and stature, and will offer helpful guidance on complex issues.
Two Vice-Chairs will also provide important regional views and diverse backgrounds for CFAC to draw upon. Lynda Kiejko of Calgary is a Canadian Olympian and medaled sport shooter. Nathalie Provost of Montreal is a survivor of the Polytechnique shootings and spokesperson for PolySeSouvient.
Additional CFAC members will be announced shortly. The modified committee will help the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness receive sound advice from a wide range of community perspectives, including civilian firearms users, farmers, law enforcement officers, public health advocates and women's organizations.
Quotes
"The government is hard at work on our commitments to reduce gun violence through balanced, effective firearms measures that prioritize public safety while ensuring we do not unfairly impact law-abiding Canadians. Because decisions about firearms affect all Canadians, the Government of Canada is renewing the membership of the Canadian Firearms Advisory Committee to be representative of a broad range of interests. I am very pleased these three distinguished Canadians have agreed to serve on CFAC with more to come."
- Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness
Quick Facts
- The CFAC was originally established in July 2006 to provide advice to the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness on the reform of Canadian firearms laws and regulations.
- The CFAC will advise the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness on measures to reform Canada's firearms policies, laws and regulations as required, to ensure a modernized firearms regime that will keep Canadians safe.
Associated Links
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For more information, please visit the website www.publicsafety.gc.ca.
SOURCE Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada
Scott Bardsley, Office of the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, 613-998-5681; Media Relations, Public Safety Canada, 613-991-0657
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