FOLLOWING the introduction of Bill C-21, the proposed federal legislation that would enable municipalities to pass local handgun bans, Vancouver Mayor Kennedy Stewart announced plans to ask council to use these new powers and implement a handgun ban in the City of Vancouver.
“I applaud the Prime Minister for taking action against assault-style weapons, and the gun traffickers that put residents at risk,” said Mayor Stewart. “But for cities like Vancouver, the greatest threat to public safety is the proliferation of handguns, deadly weapons that have no place in cities, and this bill would give us new tools to get them off our streets.”
The Mayor cited a recent uptick in gang-related shootings and weapons recovered by police as reasons why the City of Vancouver needs to implement a handgun ban as quickly as possible.
“At the earliest opportunity, I will be bringing forward a motion directing staff to prepare a handgun ban bylaw and bring it forward for a vote once this federal legislation is passed,” said Stewart.
Mayor Stewart says his office will be monitoring debate on Bill C-21 closely as it moves through the House and Senate for any changes made that could impact a local bylaw.
