BY: Sophia Autor

In collaboration between North York’s Tom Rakocevic, Krystyn Wong-Tam, Doly Begum, and Peter Tabuns, Bill 210, which is waiting for a second round to be passed, could assist in preventing gun smuggling from the United States to Canada through legal action against gun manufacturers. Originally inspired by investigations against gun manufacturers in the United States, the Bill states that Canada should follow suit, putting pressure on the Executive Council to pursue an active role against gun smuggling. Bill 210 lays out a framework for Executive Council members in the investigation, research, and legal action against gun smuggling in Ontario. This bill prioritizes the importance of consulting with communities affected by illegal handguns and experts towards the development of an illegal handgun litigation plan.

This litigation plan aims to investigate how illegal handguns enter and are sold in Ontario. It will focus on identifying these illegal entries and assessing the grounds for taking legal action against U.S. handgun manufacturers. The plan will also evaluate the potential impact of such legal action, whether it could pressure the gun manufacturing industry to make changes that would enhance safety and protection for Ontarians. This Bill is important for Humber River-Black Creek, considering the unprecedented shooting that led to a serious injury near Chalkfarm Drive and Jane Street on September 13, 2024 and an exchange of gunfire the day after on Jane Street and Wilson Avenue. Here, Bill 210 has the potential to make a positive impact in the decrease of gun related violence in our community.