For Immediate Release
October 1, 2019
“I applaud efforts to introduce stricter gun control measures that will help keep our communities safe from gun violence. Military assault rifles and handguns have no place in our cities. This is a national issue, and while I believe the federal government is in the best position to effectively enforce gun control measures, there are steps we can take here at home to combat violent crime.
I welcome the Liberal’s commitment to ensuring that the Canada Border Services Agency and Royal Canadian Mounted Police have the resources they need to stop illegal guns from crossing our borders. Our biggest priority should be getting illegal guns off our streets. Given that 69% of handguns seized by Peel Police are illegal firearms smuggled in from the U.S. via land and water crossings, it’s clear that better coordination is needed between the U.S. and Canadian Border Protection to tackle this issue.
I also welcome the additional $50 million a year that will directly flow to cities to help us fight gang violence. I cannot stress enough that cities need access to this funding now. With the recent uptick of gun violence sweeping the GTA, we need the $65 million over 5 years previously promised to Ontario to combat guns and gangs to start flowing immediately.
Investing in youth programming and gang prevention initiatives also must be a priority. We need to keep our kids active, engaged and off the streets.
At the end of the day, I’m a firm believer that any measures we can take to safely, responsibly and effectively reduce gun violence and keep our cities safe is something worth exploring.
I look forward to hearing from the other parties about how they will work to tackle this issue. Regardless of who forms government, my priority will continue to be ensuring the Mississauga remains one of the safest cities in Canada.”
– Bonnie Crombie, Mayor of Mississauga
Media Contact:
Nicole McInerney
nicole.mcinerney@mississauga.ca