Firearms Registry: Polytechnique Students and Graduates Ask, "Have
Politicians Already Forgotten?"

OTTAWA, May 6 /CNW Telbec/ - Several École Polytechnique student and graduate representatives gathered in Ottawa today to remind politicians that all firearms - including long guns - are dangerous.

In a brief commemorative ceremony held in front of the Parliament buildings, the group observed a minute of silence in memory of the fourteen victims of December 6, 1989. They then went on to give evidence on Bill C-391, intended to abolish the registry, before the Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security.

Alain Perreault, who served as president of the Association des étudiants de Polytechnique from 1989 to 1990, asked: "Have they already forgotten the Polytechnique massacre and how much the victims' families have suffered? Don't they realize that the killer used a long gun - exactly the type of weapon that would be eliminated from the firearms registry if C-391 is passed?"

Nathalie Provost, who was injured during the tragedy, added: "On December 6, 1989, Marc Lépine used a long gun - specifically, a Ruger Mini-14. I am reminded every day, every time I look in the mirror, of the lethality of this weapon. Under Bill C-391, this gun, which killed fourteen women and seriously injured thirteen other victims in less than thirty minutes, would no longer be registered. This is outrageous."

The group also sent a message to Jack Layton: "The fate of gun control is now in your hands. Only you can stop the passage of Bill C-391, by imposing a party line. We implore you to show leadership and to remain loyal to the values of your party. The lives of countless Canadians depend on you. All your MPs must show up for the vote, and all of them must reject Bill C-391," exhorted Alain Perreault.

The complete press release, the brief submitted, the commemorative speech and the banner used in the ceremony can all be accessed at www.polysesouvient.ca.

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