A freeze on the importation, purchase, or sale of handguns is a key feature of new firearm-control legislation introduced this week in the House of Commons.
It would allow current owners to continue to use the handguns they already possess.
But Melillo calls it an arbitrary ban that will only impact law-abiding gun owners while doing little to keep handguns out of the hands of criminals."All the evidence that we've collected over the years shows that the vast majority of handguns used in crimes are illegally obtained. Many of them are smuggled in from the U.S.," he said in an interview Thursday.
Melillo said the government should be providing more resources to the Canada Border Services Agency to reduce the number of guns being brought into the country illegally.He'd also like to see additional funding for police anti-gang units.
He said the Conservative party will work at the committee level in the House of Commons to try to get amendments to bill.
There are provisions, Melillo said, that he supports, such as the creation of a new offence for illegally increasing magazine capacity, and for keeping firearms out of the hands of those who've committed domestic violence."It's unfortunate that these are wrapped up in a broader bill that, on the whole, misses the mark."
The Kenora MP said the handgun ban will do little to curb gun violence in communities such as Thunder Bay.He reiterated his belief in the right of Canadians to possess handguns, saying "I know there are a lot of people that use handguns for sport-shooting. It's something they enjoy. They have to follow a number of rules to do so, they have to get approved for licensing."
Melillo added that these individuals are also required to undergo background checks.
"For the people who are choosing to own these firearms for sport, and are not breaking any laws, I don't think the government needs to be telling them what they should do with their time."
