Senate Committee — SECD — Brief — 2023-11-08_secd_c21_brief_rcmi_e

SECD / Brief / 2023-11-08_secd_c21_brief_rcmi_e

Senate Committees

David A. Zuber Email: dzuber@zubco.com Direct Line: (416) 572-8340 November 8, 2023 SENT BY EMAIL TO: Ericka.Dupont@sen.parl.gc.ca Ms. Ericka Dupont Procedural Clerk Senate of Canada Committees Directorate 40 Rue Elgin Street Ottawa, K1A 0A4 Re: Submission on Bill C -21 -

An Act to Amend Certain Acts and to Make Certain Consequential Amendments (Firearms) with a Focus on the Handgun Transfer Ban Dear Ms. Dupont, I would like to express my appreciation for the opportunity to provide evidence and insight regarding the handgun transfer ban within Bill C-21,

An Act to Amend Certain Acts and to Make Certain Consequential Amendments (Firearms). This legislation, with its focus on handgun transfers, has garnered significant attention and discussion within the firearm-owning community. I am presenting this submission on beh alf of the Royal Canadian Military Institute Pistol Club (RCMI Pistol Club) to address the potential impact of this specific aspect of the Act.

The Impact on the RCMI Pistol Club and Its Members: While many distinguished witnesses have eloquently articulated the inefficacy of such restrictions in curbing gun-related crime, I wish to bring attention to the particular repercussions this proposed handgun transfer ban would have on our esteemed RCMI Pistol Club and its dedicated members. A Storied History of Responsible Firearm Ownership: RCMI members first participated as a group of rifle competitors in 1896 at the Dominion of Canada Rifle Association's competition, as noted in the Institute's official history 1890 -1990. In 1984 J.C.

Bulloch a member, was the third Canadian to win the Grand Aggregate at Bisley in the UK. In 1990 he captained the Canadian Commonwealth Rifle Team in New Zealand. The Club has continued its association with the DCRA sending teams annually for championships in Ottawa. In 2017, in an historical first, the Club fielded the four -person all female team at the DCRA's National Service Conditions Championship - pistol category. Pistol shooting competitions were common during the 1950's -80's between the RCMI and organizations such as the Base Borden Shooting Club, Niagara Peninsula Armed Forces Institute,

Royal Hamilton Military Institute, along with competing against reserve units such as the Governor General's Horse Guards. Langemark Range at CFB Borden is and has been our home for the pas t decades. The Club in recent years has hosted exchanges with military units and conducted civilian firearms shooting practice for military members from 400 Squadron, The Toronto Scottish, and The Lorne Scots regiments. Established formally in 1967, the pistol club has a current strength of over one hundred members from a wide variety of backgrounds, 25% of whom are women.

We pride ourselves on being a skilled and inclusive Club with a strong sense of camaraderie. The Club makes no draw on the public purs e. It pays DND for all range time on military establishments. All of the management, Range Safety Officers, and coaches are volunteers. The Mission and Purpose of the RCMI Pistol Club: Pursuant to

Article III of our club's mission, our purpose is to promote knowledge of and safe and proficient use of firearms. To achieve this purpose, the RCMI Pistol Club is committed to: Fostering a culture of safety and responsibility among our members. Providing a controlled and regulated environment for the safe use of firearms. Promoting continuous education on firearm safety and proficiency. Engaging in competitive shooting sports that adhere to the highest standards of safety and ethical conduct.

Our Commitment to Safe and Proficient Operation of Firearms: We engage i n formal education and training leading to certification in the safe and proficient operation of firearms and shooting ranges. This includes regular practice at Department of National Defence ranges and participation in military shooting competitions. These activities not only build expertise among our members but also instill a deep sense of responsibility and respect for firearms.

Collaboration with the Canadian Armed Forces: Our club actively participates in firearms-related training and educational exchanges with elements of the Canadian Armed Forces. This exchange of knowledge enhances our understanding of firearms, safety protocols, and best practices, contributing to a well -informed and responsible community of firearm owners. Engaging the Legal Profession & Judiciary: We also engage with the Canadian legal profession and judiciary to educate and promote personal, practical knowledge and experience in the function and safe use of firearms among those who

advocate and decide on questions of firearms law and regulation. This dialogue ensures that legal decisions are informed by practical expertise and a deep understanding of responsible firearm ownership. A Personal Connection: On a further personal note, my father was a licensed handgun owner, a member o f the Court of Appeal for Ontario, and a recipient of the Order of Canada. He was a prohibited handgun owner under

Section 12.6, and I am a licensed handgun owner, have

section 12.7 inherited prohibited handguns, and am a registered collector. My father's legacy in responsible firearm ownership underscores the profound impact that proposed changes to firearm regulations can have on law - abiding, responsible firearm owners and collectors like myself. Impact on Future Generations: I also have two sons who are licensed to own restricted firearms. However, with the handgun ban, I will be unable to pass historical handguns, passed from my father to me, to them.

Without ever having breached any of the present comprehensive firearm regulations, the firearms my f ather collected and passed to me will be taken from my estate and destroyed. A great deal of Canadian history from two world wars will be lost without any impact on illegally possessed handguns used by non-licensed criminals. This deeply personal example emphasizes the unintended consequences of such a ban on responsible firearm owners and their families.

Many of the current members of the Club are in the same situation in that they have children who are interested in responsible firearm ownership however w ill be unable to transfer even existing handguns amongst family members. A Diverse and Inclusive Membership: The membership of the RCMI Pistol Club is varied and diverse. We have many former military members, police services members, lawyers, doctors, engi neers, teachers, and nurses. We have many female members and ethnic diversity. We have members with many generations of Canadian heritage and new Canadians.

This diversity illustrates the wide cross -section of Canadian society that our club represents. A Threat to the Existence of the RCMI Pistol Club: If a handgun transfer ban is to be passed and become a permanent part of our law, then the RCMI Pistol Club will eventually cease to exist. Anyone who did not own a handgun as of the Order in Council ban will be ineligible to obtain and own a handgun. As a result, the Club's ability to continue to promote legal and safe handgun skills will be choked to a slow death as our members age and die.

This is a dire consequence that would not serve the best interests of Canadian society and would erode a longstanding tradition of responsible firearm ownership. Balanced Approaches to Public Safety: It is our belief that public safety and the preservation of responsible firearm ownership can coexist harmoniously. Rather t han enacting blanket bans, we propose a collaborative approach that

addresses public safety concerns without infringing upon the rights and interests of law -abiding gun owners. Thanks to Senator Tony Dean: I would also like to express our sincere thanks to Senator Tony Dean, Chair of the Committee, for providing this platform to contribute our perspective. Your commitment to fairness and open dialogue is greatly appreciated.

Conclusion: In conclusion, I, on behalf of the RCMI Pistol Club, urge you to consider the broader implications of the handgun transfer ban within Bill C -21 on responsible firearm owners and sports shooting clubs like ours, which have a legacy of promoting safety and proficiency. We stand in unity with those who advocate for a balanced ap proach to public safety and call for constructive dialogue with policymakers to reach solutions that genuinely safeguard our communities while respecting the rights and interests of responsible firearm owners.

It is our submission that as currently drafted Bill C-21 does not impact the criminal use of illegal guns but rather has direct consequences to legally responsible and licensed gun owners. We ask that amendments be made or alternatively this Bill not be passed by the Senate but rather submitted for further input and changes. Just to be completely clear, although one witness who has testified stated that Bill C -21 was supported by gun Clubs and Ranges, I know of no club or range that supports Bill C-21 as drafted. The RCMI Pistol Club does not support this legislation.

Thank you for considering our perspective on this matter. We are at your disposal for any further information or to discuss our concerns in greater detail, and would be available to appear before the Committee if requested. Sincerely, David A Zuber Secretary of the RCMI Pistol Club Royal Canadian Military Institute Pistol Club Certified as a Specialist in Environmental Law by the Law Society of Ontario.

Email: dzuber@zubco.com Major (retired) Howard Michitsch CD plsc PPCLI Retired Canadian Army infantry major (22 years regular service) with extensive experience in training, security planning, and managing and supervising operations outside of Canada. Security consultant and advisor. howardmichitsch@protonmail.com

Document details

Collection	Senate Committees
Citation	SECD / Brief / 2023-11-08_secd_c21_brief_rcmi_e
Type	committee
Volume / chapter	441 / Brief / 2023-11-08_secd_c21_brief_rcmi_e
Language	en
Format	pdf
Source	COMM_SEN
Identifier	b22651da1b29cab6d8d08568f348ccce7cf7b0a8

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