Universal Firearm Registration in Canada: Three Perspectives

Author: Gabor, Thomas
Publication: Canadian Journal of Criminology & Criminal Justice
Topics: International Legislation and Policy Ownership
Keywords: Firearm Act firearm gun registry
Bibliographic information +

The author introduces the commentaries of three scholars reflecting on Canada’s 1995 Firearms Act which mandated registration of all firearms. Following the Auditor General’s report on the high costs of the registry, the debate has become increasingly politicized. The three views represented in the article are not in agreement: one sees the registry as a doubtless necessity; the second questions its benefits, especially in light of the high costs and perceived intrusion in personal freedom; while the third cautions that rigorous evaluation of the Firearms Act’s costs and benefits is required.