The Member of Parliament for Cape Breton-Canso says he didn’t need to vote in favour of the recently announced firearms ban, but he would have.
Mike Kelloway says the new ban will improve the safety of people in his riding.
He says the ban, which prohibits 1,500 firearms described as “assault-style” and any that exceed new muzzle energy and bore diameter limits, isn’t intended to limit access to firearms for hunting.
Prime Minster Justin Trudeau instituted the ban as an Order in Council, so it didn’t require a parliamentary vote.
Kelloway told The Hawk Morning Show his primary concern is safety.
“I believe that this is one of many measures that need to take place to keep Cape Bretoners and northeastern Nova Scotians safe.”
Kelloway said addressing gun safety issues protects everyone in the riding.
He says he’s heard the criticism this measure won’t solve the problem.
“It’s not just this particular measure,” he said. “There’s not one thing that’s going to solve this problem- this is a complex problem.”
Kelloway said it’s a good first step; the next step will be more work to make sure illegal guns aren’t coming into our country.
