MHPS interim police chief Alan Murphy. (Photo Courtesy Kevin Kyle)

By Chris Brown

‘Unintended consequences’: MHPS chief on national handgun freeze

Oct 26, 2022 | 5:04 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Medicine Hat’s interim chief of police says the national handgun freeze that came into effect last week could have unintended consequences.

Known officially as Bill C-21, the federal legislation puts a halt on importing, buying or selling handguns.

MHPS interim chief Alan Murphy says over time the legislation will limit the number of new guns in Canada, but right now has more immediate concerns.

“I think motivated criminals will continue to get guns no matter what legislation is in place,” he says. “So I think what you’ll see is potential for increased smuggling of guns, increased prevalence of ghost guns in our communities all across the country and likely an increase in airsoft gun conversions.”

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He also says the legislation will increase the value of already existing guns, making theft from homes and businesses more prevalent.

READ MORE: ‘Nothing for public safety’: local business sounds off on national handgun freeze

Murphy is also concerned about red flag law provisions in the Bill. They allow any citizen to flag to a court another individual with guns that they suspect is a danger to others or themselves. A warrant could then be issued for police to search and seize firearms, which Murphy says could stretch police across the county even thinner than they already are.

He adds the Alberta Association of Chiefs of Police will discuss Bill C-21 at its meeting in November.