CAW Commends NDP on Rallying to Keep Gun Registry

TORONTO, Sept. 15 /CNW/ - CAW President Ken Lewenza called the news that the NDP may now have enough votes to keep the long gun registry "encouraging." 

"The decision by a number of NDP MPs to change their vote on the national gun registry is courageous and a recognition that public safety must be paramount," said Lewenza. "This important change certainly would not have come about without the leadership of federal NDP head Jack Layton who continued to pursue this issue among his party. I am hopeful that we can count on progressive MPs to defeat this potentially disastrous Bill."

Lewenza warned though not to be too hasty in celebrating. "The vote is next week and until Bill C-391 is defeated, we must continue to be vigilant in pressing our elected officials to vote against it," said Lewenza.

The Liberals have committed to whip the vote on the concurrence motion.

"It is now critical that the Michael Ignatieff also ensures that all 75 Liberal MPs are in their seats for the vote," said CAW Director of Women's Programs Julie White. "Without every Liberal vote, the hard work of the past 10 months to get enough NDP members onside could be undone which would be devastating."

The CAW, in partnership with the Canadian Labour Congress, will be sending a delegation to observe the vote on September 22. Union leaders and activists will continue to lobby MPs right up until the vote.

For further information:

CAW Director of Women's Programs Julie White (cell) 519-860-7015 or CAW Communications Director Shannon Devine (cell) 416-302-1699