Okay guys/gals, it is possible I'm losing it again today (or day 165). Below is the letter I've drafted for my MP. I will be dropping this off in person today. Am I off my rails?
Dear Mr. McGuinty,
I need an explanation as to why the government sees it reasonable to take 6+ months to permit someone to purchase firearms. I signed up for the mandatory Canadian Firearm Safety Course CFSC November 2nd, 2018 and I am still waiting for my permit. I’ve missed fall deer hunting season, grouse hunting season, winter rabbit hunting season and now I’m about to miss spring turkey. I’ve missed all the black Friday and Christmas sales. I’ve even watched the prices on guns I’ve been wanting to buy go up with 2019 inflation or get discontinued from the lineup. I understand that guns are dangerous and have a negative opinion with a percentage of the uninformed public but we hunters are part of society too. How does putting us through this long a waiting period help Canadians? I’ve only got a fixed number of good hunting years left in me and a very small number of years left to create cherished life memories with my dad. This ridiculously long process has already unnecessarily cut out one of my few remaining hunting years.
Here is my suggestion. The minimum 28-day waiting period is obviously not necessary (I am over 165 days and still waiting). Change the minimum 28-day waiting period to a validated minimum 28-days between CFSC start date and PAL licence mailed out date. This leaves lots of room for negotiation since the process is currently taking over 6 months (so far…).
It is my understanding that hunters and firearm owners favour the conservative government when it comes to their hunting, shooting interests. Perhaps this could be an opportunity for the Liberal government to win back some of the otherwise conservative voting hunter/shooter demographic…
Feel free to copy/edit and mail to your local MP...