Media Advisory: Remember the costs of gun violence: Save the Firearms
Registry say Victims of Gun Violence

Wednesday September 15, 2010, 12:30 pm
Toronto Police Service Auditorium, 40 College St. W., Toronto ON

TORONTO, Sept. 14 /CNW/ - In support of the Canadian Association of Police Board's Day of Action, victims of gun violence call on politicians to save the firearms registry. On September 22, 2010 Opposition Members of Parliament will try to save the firearms registry by killing Private Member's Bill C-391 which would end the registration of 7 million rifles and shotguns. Amid all of the political wrangling, the voices of the victims have been forgotten. On Wednesday afternoon, victims of gun violence will remind Canadians of what is at risk. Policing and public safety experts across the country claim lives are at stake if the registration of rifles and shotguns is ended.

Participants in the news conference will include:
Dr. Alok Mukarjee, Chair of the Toronto Police Services Board and President of the Ontario Association of Police Boards and Councillor Pam McConnell, Member, Toronto Police Service Board

Louise Rousso, who was permanently disabled after being caught in the cross fire in a Toronto shooting. The gun used was stolen from a collector.

Priscilla deVilliers, her daughter Nina was abducted from a Burlington tennis court and killed with a legally owned unrestricted rifle (in spite of the fact the killer was out on bail on violence offenses) in 1991. The inquest into the killing recommended licensing all gun owners and registering all guns.

Elaine Lumley, from Toronto her son Aiden was killed outside a bar in Montreal. The killer and the handgun were never found.

Brian Vallee, Author of "Life with Billy" and "The War on Women" will add his perspective on the role of guns in violence against women.  

Background: Bill C391 passed second reading in February when eight Liberals and 12 NDP members voted with the Conservatives. Since then, Liberal  and Bloc Quebecois leaders have promised that their MPs will vote to defeat this Bill. NDP leader Jack Layton is allowing his MPs to vote for or against the Bill, although the number of NDP MPs who pledging to defeat Bill 391 has grown. The numbers are too close to call and the gun lobby still claims it still has enough votes to move Bill C-391 forward. The Conservative party, the gun lobby and groups like the Canadian Taxpayers Federation are investing millions in advertising and billboard campaigns against the registry even though a recent RCMP report shows that it is working and that the registration of rifles and shotguns costs less than $4million per year.

For further information:

Sarah Hayward[email protected]and 416-505-0523.Or Priscilla de Villiers 416 660 8911 (cell)