The B.C. government is bringing in new measures to try and curb gun violence in the province.
Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth says gang members will have fewer options to buy, transport or possess real and imitation firearms. He says drivers who are transporting these illegal firearms could be penalized and their vehicles could be impounded.
The new legislation is also meant to make it difficult for gang members to use shooting ranges for target practice. There also is a plan to strengthen existing laws around armoured vehicles and body armour which Farnworth says will make it harder for people to criminals to hide and transport illegal firearms and drugs.
In addition, government will be allowed to collect fingerprints from people applying for armoured vehicle and body armour permits to verify the results of criminal record checks.
“So there were a number of gaps that existed here in B.C. that this legislation is intended to fill, and its based on the recommendations from the report [on reducing gang and gun violence] that was done back in 2017,” he said.
“These new measures targeting illegal and imitation firearms will give police additional tools and help make our communities safer. At the same time, we recognize most firearm owners in B.C. are law abiding. As such, these changes should have little to no impact on them.”
Farnworth says the Firearm Violence Prevention Act will also prevent people from having real or imitation firearms in places like schools and hospitals where they have no legitimate purpose. It will also protect social workers and health professionals from civil liability who breach client confidentiality and report information to police to prevent gun violence.
“These recommendations targeting illegal and imitation firearms will provide police with the necessary tools to advance investigations and combat gun violence in our communities,” said Dwayne McDonald, the assistant commissioner, BC RCMP Criminal Operations – Federal, Investigative Services and Organized Crime, in a statement.
“Denying criminals access to these weapons, as well as further regulating armoured vehicles, body armour and aftermarket compartments, are key steps in enhancing public safety.”
Farnworth said penalties for the offences still need to be worked out, but hinted that it would be significant.
