Hearings in the Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security have started on Bill C-391, an act to repeal the long gun registry. The O.F.A.H. will be testifying before the Committee on May 26th. The debate at Committee has already been nasty, with the Liberal members of the Committee, none of whom supported the bill last fall, openly attacking witnesses who appear in support of the bill.
Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff has already declared that all Liberal members, including the eight that supported the gun bill last fall will have to vote against it on Third Reading or face reprisals.
NDP leader Jack Layton has said that he intends to allow his members a free vote on Third Reading like he did last fall. This means that the 12 NDP members who support the bill will be able to continue supporting it. However, at least two Ontario NDP members are soft on their support and need to be reminded of how important the bill is to their constituents.
It is critical that we hold the NDP vote on Third Reading, which may come as early as mid-June. With their continued support, the bill will have enough support to pass, despite Ignatieff’s position.
Because of this, it is critically important that O.F.A.H. members join our colleagues across the country in calling, faxing or writing their local members of Parliament urging them to support the bill on Third Reading.
Simply click here to access a list of M.P.’s and their contact information. The same information can also be found at www.parl.gc.ca. Once on the site click on Current Members of Parliament and select your member.
If your local M.P. is a Liberal or NDP member, please let them know that as one of their constituents, you support the bill and expect them to vote in favour of it at Third Reading.
Your cooperation in this matter is greatly appreciated. Bill C-391 represents the best, and perhaps last opportunity we will have in a great while to get rid of the long gun registry.
Should you need assistance drafting a letter please check out the OFAH website.
Please don’t sit there do nothing It take only minutes to make a positive choice in your future.
Peter- Ripple Outdoors