So I wrote to my Jim Carr, my MP. First (after a couple of weeks) I got the standard text from his aid. Then I told them that the response was off point and basically made me feel as though he didn't care what I have to say. I know he doesn't because I'm disagreeing with the party line. So a few weeks later I get this:
Good afternoon Mr. Brown,
I apologize for my previous email – It did not respond to the points that you had raised about marking of firearms and changes to their oversight in Canada. Thank you for responding to my email and giving me an opportunity to listen to what you have to say and to provide information that I have related to this issue. I have taken the points that you have raised in this regard forward with Minister Carr, as well as with his colleagues in the Department of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, which are the lead officials on this portfolio.
I understand the concerns that you have about the control of firearms markings being made by police, rather than elected officials. Our government believes that the most effective method of evaluating the levels of control and safety requirements for firearms is best made by law enforcement – this is not limited to law enforcement only. Decisions that are made by police can be influenced by key stakeholders, such as constituents and leading firearms organizations, who can contact their elected officials with organized opposition to changes that are proposed. This government is committed to working with Canadians to reduce gun violence in Canada, and we believe that this is best achieved with the leadership of enforcement officials, who directly influence this objective and experience it daily.
In regards to the markings of firearms, your concern about their applicability to reducing gun violence does not provide a claim that can be made as opposed to those supported by law enforcement. Law enforcement officials in Canada believe through their role as the key stakeholder in public safety that markings help police to better investigate the criminal use of firearms. Marking will not only help to better identify firearms that are being registered and used in Canada, but are also part of our continuing efforts to get illegal guns off of Canada’s streets.
I understand if you would like to provide some further information in regard to the claims that you have raised about new policy regarding the markings of firearms. I would be happy to answer any questions that you may have or to take your comments forward with the Minister again in the future.
Kindest Regards,
Shawn Singh
Constituency Assistant | Adjoint de circonscription Hon. Jim Carr, MP/député
Winnipeg South Centre | Winnipeg-Centre-Sud
T: (204) 983-1355
F: (204) 984-3979
jim.carr.c1a@parl.gc.ca
Twitter: @jimcarr_wpg
Facebook: /jim.carr.lib
Any ideas on how to answer this one?