Some have tried to attribute Canada's relatively low homicide rate to its current gun control laws -- although Canada actually had a lower homicide rate than the U.S. even before its current legislation went into effect. The overall homicide rate in Canada is around two per hundred thousand, compared to nine per hundred thousand in the U.S.; firearms are involved in less than one-third of Canada's homicides.
Canada has had registration of handguns since 1934. Legislation currently in Parliament would, reports the Fraser Institute of Vancouver, make registration of all firearms mandatory and lead to the confiscation of more than 50 percent of the handguns now held by Canadians. A Fraser study by Gary Mauser indicates that since more restrictive firearms laws took place in 1988, the number of those holding guns legally has dropped 19 percent. The robbery rate with a firearm during that period, however, has more than doubled. Also during the same period, the overall violent crime rate has increased 29 percent.
Source: "THE RIGHT ANSWERS"
Volume 11, Number 21 - October 16, 1995
THE NEW AMERICAN -
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Statistical reporting by the Canadian Centre for Justice Statistics shows that two-thirds of all Canadian homicides do not involve firearms. Stabbing, beating and strangulation account for the majority.
Two-thirds of all accused murderers had prior criminal records, and 69% were prohibited from acquiring or possessing firearms due to previous violent offences. Adequate enforcement of existing laws was what was necessary to change those numbers - existing law enforcement.
Alcohol and drug use was evident in over 50% of all homicides in 1993. Historically alcohol abuse has been estimated as the most important contributing factor in two of every three homicides in Canada. Accordingly, efforts to reduce homicides should concentrate on reducing alcohol abuse.
Domestic homicides by firearms comprise only 11% of all the homicides in Canada. These crimes of passion are almost always preceded by a long history of domestic turmoil. In 1991, 44% of all domestic murderers had a previous record of violent conflict committed between the hours of 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. with any object close at hand and by persons under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Existing laws, properly enforced, should be used to prevent that 11%.
Between 1974 and 1992 over 60% of all domestic homicides in Canada involved weapons other than firearms, with alcohol and drug abuse a relevant factor in 64%.
--Mr. Rick Morgan, Monday, May 15, 1995
Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters,
National Coalition of Provincial and Territorial Wildlife Federations
Source: http://www.parl.gc.ca/committees/jula/evidence/137_95-05-15/jula137_blk101.html
Well, tell me now. Why is it that in Great Britain, Australia, South Africa, Washington DC, for example where you are not allowed to carry a gun there is alot of death by gunshot and the level of criminality is so high comparing to us?
FRgards,
FMCDH