Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante has recently shown her support for a gun control advocacy group called PolySeSouvient as they push the federal government to finalize a list of banned assault-style weapons before a federal buyback program is implemented. The group, which represents survivors and families of the 1989 École polytechnique massacre, met with Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc last year, where he assured them that the list would be completed by this month. PolySeSouvient is concerned that without a comprehensive banned weapons list, owners of prohibited firearms from four years ago may simply use the buyback money to purchase new assault weapon models not listed.
In response to the tragic Nova Scotia mass shooting in May 2020, the Liberal government banned over 1,500 models of firearms, including those used in the shooting that left 23 people dead. Survivor of the 1989 Montreal antifeminist mass shooting, Nathalie Provost, expressed worries about the effectiveness of the buyback program and the potential loophole for owners to buy new, unlisted assault weapons. The group estimates that approximately 450 firearms need to be added to the banned list, and they are urging the government to complete this process before the upcoming federal election.
The federal government’s long-promised gun buyback program was set to start in the fall, with plans to purchase banned firearms from retail stores and destroy them. An individual buyback program for people who own prohibited weapons was scheduled to begin next year. PolySeSouvient and other gun control advocates believe that completing the list of banned assault-style weapons is crucial in order for the buyback program to be effective in reducing gun violence and preventing owners from simply replacing their prohibited weapons with new models not covered by the ban.
Mayor Valérie Plante’s support for PolySeSouvient and their call for a comprehensive banned weapons list reflects the ongoing efforts in Canada to address gun violence and promote stricter gun control measures. The advocacy group’s representation of survivors and families affected by past mass shootings adds a personal and emotional dimension to the push for tighter gun regulations. With continued pressure on the federal government to complete the banned weapons list and ensure the effectiveness of the buyback program, there is hope for progress in reducing gun-related incidents and ensuring public safety.
The involvement of survivors like Nathalie Provost in advocating for stronger gun control measures highlights the lasting impact of past tragedies and the importance of preventing similar events from happening in the future. The connection between the 1989 École polytechnique massacre and the more recent Nova Scotia mass shooting serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of gun violence and the need for proactive measures to prevent such incidents. The collaboration between advocacy groups, government officials, and community leaders in addressing gun control issues demonstrates a collective effort to prioritize public safety and reduce the prevalence of firearms in Canadian society.
As discussions around gun control and the effectiveness of buyback programs continue, it remains essential for policymakers to listen to the voices of survivors and advocates who have directly experienced the trauma of gun violence. By prioritizing the completion of the banned weapons list and ensuring the success of the buyback program, the federal government can take significant steps towards addressing the issue of gun violence and promoting a safer environment for all Canadians. Mayor Valérie Plante’s support for PolySeSouvient and their mission underscores the importance of continued collaboration and action in the fight against gun-related incidents and the protection of individuals and communities across the country.
