LETTER: FIREARMS ACT VIOLATES FREEDOMS
Date: Feb 10, 2005 5:21 AM
PUBLICATION: The London Free Press
DATE: 2005.02.10
EDITION: Final
SECTION: Opinion Pages
PAGE: A12
BYLINE: GARY RAMSEY, TILLSONBURG
COLUMN: Letters to the Editor

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FIREARMS ACT VIOLATES FREEDOMS

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In defending his position on same-sex marriage, Prime Minister Paul
Martin is fond of saying he champions the rights of all minority groups
in Canada, often referring to the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Firearms owners are a minority group, too. Where was Martin when our
rights were being trampled?

The Firearms Act (F.A.) violates the Charter of Rights and Freedoms in
as many as 12 ways. The following few violations will illustrate: – Our
right to be secure against unreasonable search and seizure. F.A. Sec.
102-105 allows search and seizure without a warrant. – Our right to be
presumed innocent. F.A. Sec. 107, 112 places the burden of proof on the
accused to prove he is innocent. Called “reverse onus,” it means no more
innocent until proven guilty. – Our right to legal counsel. F.A. Sec.
102-105 denies our right to legal counsel before consenting to a search
of our homes.

The auditor general’s 2002 report found that, with regard to the
Firearms Act, excessive regulation occurred because some of the program
partners, which included many government branches, believed that the use
of firearms is in itself a “questionable activity” that requires strong
controls, and there should be zero tolerance toward non-compliance.

If these attitudes and charter violations were directed at the gay
community, our native peoples, the disabled or any of a number of
minority groups, Canada would have a revolt on its hands.

It seems Martin is quick to champion the rights of those minority groups
from whom he can garner the most votes.

Welcome to the People’s Republic of Kanada.