Central Peace-Notley MLA, Todd Loewen had a chance to voice his support of a government motion that calls for the legislative assembly to recognize that the criminal use of firearms usually involved unlicensed user using illegally smuggled weapons, the appointment of an Alberta Chief Firearms Officer, as well as opposing the federal government’s ban of certain types of guns.
The motion was opposed by the 24 NDP MLA’s in the legislature on Tuesday.
When it comes to the appointment of a provincial firearms officer, Loewen says he thinks the government is close to making a decision.
“The ministry (justice) is on it and I think they are actively working on identifying somebody and getting through the process of appointing someone,” says Loewen.
The UCP MLA did acknowledge that the province will have to operate under federal legislation but feels that a provincial officer would give Alberta more of a say on rules.
Loewen also expressed frustration with federal legislation that he says is not only expensive, but turns legal firearms owners into criminals.
“The federal government will be spending millions-and-millions promoting this initiative and telling the people of Canada about it,” explains Loewen.
“That doesn’t include the cost of buying back guns.”
Loewen also says the federal legislation misses the point of keeping weapons out of the hands of criminals.
“One thing we know for certain is this will not get the guns out of the hands of criminals so it won’t accomplish anything,” concludes Loewen.
Loewen was also appointed to the province’s Firearms Advisory Committee.
– Kenny Trenton, Trending 55 Newsroom
