NDP leader shoots down Harper’s comments about people who arm themselves

Thomas Mulclair (Facebook photo)

MONTREAL — NDP Leader Thomas Mulcair is calling Prime Minister Stephen Harper irresponsible for encouraging people to arm themselves if they live too far from a police station.

Mulcair was referring to recent comments Harper made in Saskatoon where he was questioned at a meeting of rural municipal leaders about the government’s priorities in dealing with firearms.

The prime minister told the group his wife was from a rural area where gun ownership wasn’t just for the farm but also for a certain level of security when people are “a ways away” from immediate police assistance.

During a visit to Montreal today, Mulcair accused Harper of trying to divide urban and rural Canadians.