Would there be less gun crime in Canada if there were less guns from US coming in?

Question

I live in Toronto and we Canadians arent really like the US where gun ownership is seen akin to citizenship rights.
And I continuously hear of how illegal guns coming in from the US where gun laws are so lax are used in homicides.
So would there be less gun violence in Canada if the flow was eliminated?
And who should be responsible for that? Should US control its gun laws or should Canada be better at ensuring they dont get smuggled in?

Answer 1

I too am from Toronto. To be honest I would not go near Rexdale, Empringham Ave. or St. Jamestown if you paid me.

I do believe that Canada is falling short of it's responsibility to keep their streets safe. It really isn't our place to dictate the laws of another nations. I would certainly be resistant to the USA imposing their will on my way of life.

Canada customs has an obligation to search every parcel that passes through the boarders. To search vehicle and to monitor the unmanned borders, not just for illegal weapons but for human trafficking.

Local law enforcement and the judicial system need to enforce the laws we already do have on the books with regards to ownership of illegal and/or unregistered weapons.

However regardless of how many guns we keep off the streets there is still going to be the crime. There is still going to be violence. The fact of the matter is that gang activity has infiltrated many of the poverty stricken neighborhoods in Canada. Until we are able to address poverty, by way of community outreach, assistance and education we are going to have a problem.

Canada needs to be responsible for Canadians. Stunting the gun trade from the USA may yield a marginal impact on gun violence, however it certainly will not effect violent crime.

Answer 2

Look at other countries, that make it illegal to own a gun. England for example. Guns still get in. Albeit, not that many, but the murder numbers are still VERY high. Just because you can't get a gun, if you've got it in your head that you are going to kill someone, it'll be done. Be it with a machete, or a frying pan. Crimes are still committed using deadly weapons such as knives, bats, etc.

Washington DC has had a law that makes it illegal to possess a firearm or ANY kind, inside the city limits, for a long, long time. And ya know what? It's Still, to this day, one of the top murderous cities in the US.

When you create a law making it illegal for people to protect themselves, you open the door for criminals. Without the fear of death, what is there for a criminal to be afraid of? Granted, some have no fear, some even ask for it. Give the victim a chance.

As far as where Canada's guns are coming from, as long as there is a demand, there will be guns. Even if it were possible to eliminate the existance of every single firearm currently in the United states, and eliminate future sales, people will continue to get shot. The guns will come from somewhere. There will ALWAYS be a demand for it. People will make their own. It's not difficult to figure out. After all, someone had to develop the first one at some point in history, with MUCH less sophisticated tools than are available today. There are NUMEROUS custom gun manufacturers available now. You can make one in your basement or garage. And for committing a crime, they do not need to be accurate. They only need to be able to propel a projectile.

So then what, you start raiding peoples houses looking for common electric tools, steel that COULD be used in the manufacture of a gun? Where does it end?

Crossbows? Blackpowder rifles/handguns? Archery equip? Machetes? Knives? barstools? Beer bottles? Billiard sticks?

Answer 3

I might have been misinformed but I believe that Canada has a similar gun-owning profile but a huge amount less gun crime. If that is true then the US needs to consider what it is about being a US citizen that makes it more likely you will fire on a fellow citizen. Or why one is more likely to indulge in criminal behaviour that deserves a bullet. I'm not even going to suggest an answer. I live in a gunfree country so it's not my problem.

Answer 4

I want you to think about your question. Times up! If you eliminate all guns illegal coming from the US then yes of course naturally gun crime would go down. Since most of the guy's buying the guns in Canada probably have a record and can't buy them legally. That's a no brainer. Now will the US worry about controlling guns going to Canada. Heck No. We are to busy keeping Terrorist from entering our Country from Canada. So we don't worry about guns going to Canada.

Answer 5

Your Country needs to make sure they are not being smuggled in. We have a right to have guns. The crooks and gangs will get guns no matter what. If we had a gun controlled law. It would not protect the good ones. I for one have guns and no one will take that privileged right from me. I respect my right to having guns. Don't show a gun to scare someone. Use it. But, have had them for many years, and never had to. Hope not to.

Answer 6

The United States should not be held responsible for Canada's "gun problem" just as Mexico is not held responsible for the USA's problem with illegal immigration.

Why should we have to change our laws and give up our rights for Canada?

Answer 7

Here's a shocking thought vampire, how about holding individuals responsible for their actions rather than letting government run their lives? I doubt you speak for all Canadians, but my advice is confine your anti-gun tirades to Toronto. Had my wife or I, or any other armed citizen, been at that mall, there is a good chance that individual would not have survived to kill so many. We both have concealed carry permits, and use them.

Answer 8

geeezzzz,what, canadian wimps are actually buying guns in canada! o my God what is happening,is this the end?wait,maybe there are some canadians with balls that are tired of the gov. bullshit and want some real protection.god forbid you get injured and have to be placed on the waiting list with their great health care program and risk death waiting.eh,maybe your gov. should legalize concealed carry weapons? an armed population is a polite population.by the way,the criminals do not obey the law ever and are armed.go figure....

Answer 9

Criminals will still bring guns into your country. If you want to blame the US, go ahead, everyone else does, but if you want to stop illegal guns coming in that's your problem, beef up your security at the borders. You will find, however, that this makes no difference.

Answer 10

Send them back if you don't want them>We do>>>Guns don't kill people people kill people>What would you use against some 1 violating you in your home>Please don't go away hasn't work well>Have a nice day>Here's a great idea close & patrol the Borders that might help>