Kenora MP Eric Melillo says there are certain measures in new federal firearm legislation that he supports however he’s still opposed to the bill.
Melillo is most concerned about a ban on future handgun sales.
“It’s sort of the same old story with this government. There bringing forward new legislation that is largely going to impact law abiding firearm owners and not do nearly enough to actually keep guns out of the hands of criminals.”
The Conservative member says the root of the problem is handguns that are being smuggled across our border.
Melillo says within Bill C-21, he will support such measures including the creation of a new offence for illegally increasing magazine capacity, and provisions to keep firearms out of the hands of those who’ve committed domestic violence.”
Meantime, Melillo is reacting to the extension of COVID restrictions at the Canadian border.
The government announced this week the strict rules will now continue on until at least June 30.
Travellers must continue to use the ArriveCAN app or website to submit information.
Unvaccinated Canadians must take a COVID-19 molecular test before arrival and international travellers must provide proof of full vaccination.
Melillo says, “Truly shocked at this point. Canada is really an outlier with our G7 partners, even within the country. As we know province’s have been lifting their restrictions. It’s only the federal government that has COVID-19 restrictions remaining.”
Melillo says the move will once again hurt the tourism industry in Northwestern Ontario.
A Conservative motion to lift all remaining pandemic travel restrictions was recently defeated in the House of Commons.
Finally, the Federal Conservatives say they support what they call a health-based approach to drug addiction.
The comments come after British Columbia was granted approval to decriminalize small amounts of illicit drugs for personal use.
Eric Melillo says the government should be doing more to treat those with mental and addictions.
He says we need to look at these challenges as health challenges rather than criminal ones and what’s missing in the plan is increasing support for mental health and for those who are struggling.
The government says it’s open to further decriminalization of small-scale possession of hard drugs in jurisdictions across the country.
Melillo says, “As of now I won’t. I wouldn’t support it if it was brought forward on it’s own like that. But we need to have a conversation on it absolutely. We need to be looking at providing stronger supports. That’s where my focus will be. Making sure there are resources in place for people that are struggling so we can provide them that treatment.”
Minister of Mental Health and Addictions Carolyn Bennett said Wednesday that while it’s the government’s goal to expand decriminalization, it must be done in concert with local governments and reflect reality in each part of the country.
