New Democrats vote to fix gun registry
By Contributor
New Democrats said tonight’s defeat of bill C-391 must be followed by a genuine attempt to fix the registry and unite rural, northern and urban Canadians.
“I have spoken with many of my constituents in communities across my riding and heard the opinions of those on both sides of the issue,” said Alex Atamanenko, M.P. for B.C. Southern Interior. “The time has come to heal the wounds of what has become a poisonous debate and begin the hard work of finding practical solutions.”
“It is important that we determine what problems exist in the registry and address them,” he said.
Atamanenko condemned Stephen Harper’s bitterly divisive approach to the long-gun issue, adding that the Prime Minister has rebuffed any attempt to find common ground or a compromise solution.
“Like many of my constituents I am tired of these cynical wedge politics and would like to see more leadership and attention paid by the government on other pressing issues that are affecting this country such as the economy, pensions, employment insurance and the threat to our sovereignty.”
“With the vote now over, New Democrats are calling on all party leaders to work with our party to fix the registry and address rural concerns.”
Last week, New Democrat Leader Jack Layton outlined concrete proposals that address the concerns of rural communities while improving public safety such as mandating the Auditor General to ensure the long-gun registry is cost-effective.
“It is time to move on and look at those issues that really are affecting Canadians,” concluded the BC Southern Interior MP.
This article is a press release from the New Democratic Party.
