BROTHER OF 1989 MONTREAL MASSACRE VICTIM SPEAKS OUT ON GUN CONTROL

Media Release - BROTHER OF 1989 MONTREAL MASSACRE VICTIM SPEAKS OUT ON GUN CONTROL
Date:
Wednesday, February 13, 2013



Canada's National Firearms Association Media Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BROTHER OF 1989 MONTREAL MASSACRE VICTIM SPEAKS OUT ON GUN CONTROL



Not all victims see gun control as the best response to shootings. Claude Colgan spoke against Quebec’s plans for a provincial firearms registry during an interview held by Montreal’s Rock X, CHOI 919, on Tuesday, February 5, 2012. Claude is the brother of Hélène Colgan, a student who was murdered in the 1989 shootings at Montreal’s École Polytechnique. He cited the actions of the shooter as opposed to the tool used to take his sister’s life as a reason not to revive the long-gun registry.

Canada’s National Firearms Association (NFA) president Sheldon Clare has extended his gratitude and admiration to the outspoken man. “A heartfelt thanks to Claude Colgan of Quebec who courageously spoke out in defense of freedom and in support of firearms ownership. Best regards to this brave Canadian Quebecer who truly understands freedom and civil rights, and where criminal responsibility really lies.”

The tragedy at École Polytechnique has long been used to advocate for more gun control. However the statements made by Colgan illuminate an alternative view of firearms and their place in Canadian society. “It is clear that those who would ban firearms are merely making life more dangerous for ordinary people. Banning guns leaves the monopoly of force in the hands of the criminal and the state - an entirely unhealthy situation” Clare notes.

Financial reasons have also been mentioned as a reason to eliminate the possibility of a provincial long-gun registry. Developing and maintaining registries is very costly, especially if they are flawed. There are significant doubts about the province’s willingness and ability to shoulder the cost. Long-gun owners in Quebec may need to pay for the registration themselves through fees and taxation. Canada’s NFA finds this unjust considering they have already been subjected to a myriad of licensing fees and bungled bureaucratic procedures in supporting a concept of firearms control which simply doesn’t live up to its promises.

Canada's National Firearms Association is this country's largest advocacy organization promoting the rights and freedoms of all responsible firearm owners and users.

-30-

For more information contact:
Blair Hagen, Executive VP Communications, 604-753-8682 Blair@nfa.ca
Sheldon Clare, President, 250-981-1841 Sheldon@nfa.ca
Canada's NFA toll-free number - 1-877-818-0393
NFA Website: www.nfa.ca

j'espere que la montreal gazette von publier.