By Canadian Press

Measures in new bill to keep guns from abusers, stalkers welcomed by advocates

May 31, 2022 | 1:54 PM

OTTAWA — Planned new measures to keep guns out of the hands of abusers and stalkers are being welcomed by advocates who have long called for loopholes in the system to be closed.

The Liberal government bill introduced this week proposes automatic removal of gun licences from people who commit domestic violence or engage in criminal harassment, such as stalking.

The legislation would also create a “red flag” law allowing courts to require that people considered a danger to themselves or others surrender their firearms to police.

It includes a measure to guard the safety of those applying through the process — often women in danger of domestic abuse — by protecting their identities.

Heather McGregor, CEO of YWCA Toronto, says the proposed legislation goes a long way to providing mechanisms to remove guns from people who are a risk to others.

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Among other things, the bill would also put a national freeze on importing, buying, selling or otherwise transferring handguns, with very limited exceptions.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 31, 2022.

The Canadian Press