Eby will give police tools they need to fight guns and gang violence

B.C. NDP led by David Eby (Photo: David Eby/Facebook)

By BC NDP Communications

SURREY – Alongside four BC NDP candidates with backgrounds in law enforcement, David Eby said he would give police the tools they need to get illegal guns off our streets. John Rustad’s refusal to enforce bans on handguns and semi-automatic weapons would put people in communities at greater risk, says Eby.

“Federal gun laws target the weapons that gang members use to kill each other and terrify neighbourhoods. John Rustad’s clear, public and repeated plan to block police from using these laws has criminals celebrating, and police worried,” said Eby. “Police need every available tool to keep our neighbourhoods and schools safe. Only the BC NDP are committed to give them everything they need to enforce gun laws. We’re proud of that.”

Bill C-21 freezes handgun sales, restricts semi-automatic assault weapons, and gives police the authority to seize firearms from people involved in domestic violence or with restraining orders against them. John Rustad has repeatedly stated that he’ll “instruct police not to enforce those laws” – at a community event in Fort St. John in August, at a campaign press conference on September 27, and during a radio debate just this week.

“The majority of women and girls killed in B.C. are killed by a current or former partner, and we know that having a gun in the home makes that significantly more likely,” said Samantha Grey, Director of Sexual Assault Services at the Surrey Women’s Centre. “Keeping guns off our streets and out of the hands of perpetrators of domestic violence makes families and communities safer. We can’t afford to stop enforcing these important laws in B.C.”

Domestic homicides account for 15% of all murders in B.C., and previous incidents of domestic violence have been shown to be a strong predictor of future violence.

“I am deeply alarmed by John Rustad’s comment that he would not enforce gun laws, which gives police the power to remove guns from people subject to protective orders and those involved in intimate partner violence,” said Tracy Porteous, former Executive Director and founder of the Ending Violence Association of British Columbia. “By saying he would strip police of this vital tool, Mr. Rustad would be putting lives and public safety at greater risk. In my opinion, Mr. Rustad’s comments on this matter are reckless and deeply irresponsible.”

Eby will also continue anti-gang programs, like the new Integrated Gang Homicide Team. The team focuses on investigating gang-related homicides and improving intelligence coordination related to gang activities.

“Together we can make sure police officers on the frontlines have what they need to go after gangs, stop domestic violence, and get guns off our streets,” said Eby. “Leaving police empty handed in this fight against organized and brutally violent gangs and criminals is reckless, and disrespects the personal sacrifices police officers make to keep our neighborhoods safe.”