Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino says Canada plans to temporarily ban guns from being imported into the country without Parliament’s approval, using a regulatory measure that will take effect in two weeks. The change will last until a permanent freeze is passed in Parliament and takes effect. The government tabled gun control legislation in May that includes a national freeze on the import, purchase, sale and transfer of guns in Canada, but it has yet to be voted on. The temporary ban will prevent businesses from importing handguns into Canada, with a few exceptions that mirror those in legislation tabled in May. As foreign minister, Melanie Joly says she has the power to ban any import or export license to Canada. Government trade data show Canada imported $26.4 million worth of handguns and revolvers between January and June — a 52 percent increase compared to the same period last year. This report by The Canadian Press was first published on August 5, 2022.
