Regina-Lumsden-Lake Centre MP Tom Lukiwski today condemned the moves by the Liberal opposition to preserve the long-gun registry.
 
Earlier today, Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff said he will be enforcing a “whipped vote” rather than a free vote for second reading of Candice Hoeppner’s Private Members Bill C-391, which aims to abolish the long-gun registry.
 
“Once again, we see Michael Ignatieff’s definition of tough on crime. He ducks and weaves on legislation aimed at real criminals but wants to crack down on duck hunters and farmers,” said Lukiwski.
 
By imposing a “whipped vote”, Ignatieff will be over-riding the wishes of a number of his own caucus members who had supported Hoeppner’s bill at earlier stages.
 
“Michael Ignatieff’s position on the long-gun registry shows once again that he hasn’t listened to his own Liberal caucus members, let alone Canadians.  It shows that Michael Ignatieff isn’t in it for Canadians.  He’s just in it for himself,” said Lukiwski.
 
Lukiwski added that abolition of the long-gun registry is long overdue.
 
“From day one, this program has been a money-wasting boondoggle that has done nothing to prevent crime but has served only to criminalize law-abiding, responsible gun owners. I know it’s hard for the Liberals to admit they made a mistake in starting the registry, but it is high time for them to face facts and do the right thing.”
 
Lukiwski also challenged lone Saskatchewan Liberal MP Ralph Goodale to stand up for the rights of responsible Saskatchewan gun owners.
 
“Mr. Goodale claims his constituents support the gun registry. That’s very strange, given that the majority of people throughout the rest of the province oppose it. I suggest that Mr. Goodale has exactly two choices: either prove that his constituents actually support the gun registry or do the honourable thing and stand up for his constituents by voting for Ms. Hoeppner’s bill.”