A4 THE FREE PRESS ISSUES DECEMBER 8, 1994 Survey says gun controls not popular By DAVID HEYMAN Prince George Free Press Canada’s foremost gun lobby group has commissioned a national survey to show the government that gun owners don’t want more gun control, and it appears the group will get the answers it’s looking for. The National Firearms Association has paid for ads in “The Gun Runner” and “Canadian Hunting and Shooting” asking readers to phone in their yes or no answers to two questions. The first question is “If you had access to a recreational firearm, would you use it if necessary to protect your home and family from violent criminals?” A Prince George representative of the MP labels proposals misguided Prince George-Bulk-ley Valley Reform MP Dick Harris says the new gun control proposals put forward by the justice minister are “schizophrenic.” Mr. Harris says he likes the idea of giving stiffer sentences to people who commit firearms offenses, like smuggling guns or dealing in illegal, prohibited or stolen firearms. But he disagrees with the idea of registering all guns saying it “in no way provides a logical solution to fighting crime. “We knew the Liberals were going to push this universal registration thing all along - and all along we were telling them that criminals don’t give a damn about registration. The only people who will be affected by registration are law abiding firearm owners.” Mr. Harris said Reform MPs and millions of Canadians “believe existing controls on law abiding firearms owners are more than enough and no further controls are necessary to ensure public safety.” He also promised to repeal the gun laws if the Reform Party forms a government. “When Reform becomes government, we will repeal useless, ineffective gun controls that do not meet these fundamental objectives,” concludes Mr. Harris. Prince George-Peace River MP Jay Hill says “some of these proposed changes are encouraging, but if this minister has confidence that Canadians will support the measures he is pushing for private gunown-ers, he should be willing to separate them from the penalties for criminal activities. survey company, Rick van Ziegler, says as of December 5, people had voted 451-1 in favour. The second question is “If the law-abiding are hampered in possessing recreational firearms by severe laws, will that succeed in protecting your home and family from armed and violent criminals?” Mr. Ziegler says 218 people have voted ‘no’ and only five voted ‘yes.’ The phone-in survey started December 1 and will end January 30. Mr. Ziegler says he’s traveled across Canada, from Montreal and Toronto to Calgary and Edmonton, promoting the survey. He’s now in Prince George and he says the public wants crime control not gun control. “We need crime control but it’s too expensive for the government to implement.” Mr. Ziegler says, however, gun registration is a good idea. "There’ll be more protection per se because if guns are registered, are they going to be as readily available to steal? If a crime has been committed, that gun has a registration number. They’ll know who it belongs to.” Mr. Ziegler says the NFA wants the results of the survey out quickly so it can use the stats in its battle against the federal government’s gun control proposals. The federal justice minister has issued a white paper outlining his ideas on the issue. Alan Rock wants to introduce or raise the minimum sentencing requirements for a number of gun-related crimes, ban the sale of several kinds of guns he considers ‘not suitable for target shooting or collecting,’ restrict further the movement of guns across the border with the United States, and set up a registry of all firearms. MiM . . ■ ($13,995 [1995CWIC V ALVJl \« option PACK \ *’695l r r-ss" \ A \ Deluxe Whee 1 280\ \ fern Hand Nl'rror \ *,CJ &b^6evalu\ i r UeigwandPO* \ yil.UH \ ? \ - iimiina « Reduction Value ^rl —‘e i* $3,090 $695 JUST ARRIVED AT YOUR LOCAL DEALER... Here's a 4-door sedan that's sure to exceed expectations. Besides ample interior room and comfort, the 95 Civic LX is loaded with value-packed standard features: under the hood, a fuel-injected engine with overhead cam for peppy performance...race-inspired fully-independent double-wishbone suspension for a smooth ride and great handling...plus an aerodynamic design that’s not only a treat to look at, but also reduces wind buffeting and interior noise. What a package! What value! YOUR B.C.* :i IOII9] Wl* DFALER AS RELIABLE AS THE CARS WE SELL DRIVE AWAY FOR ONLY S?Q OVl £*J£ *'5;r ZERO 48 DOWN MONTHS tSHONDA NORTH 105 Brunswick Street DL 8330 562-9391 ** 1995 model EG858S. With zero down and $292.37 per month for 48 months and a final payment of $6,657.75 for a total price of $22,402.75. Price includes freight and PDI. Taxes extra. On approval credit. Limited time offer. Dealers may sell for less. No dealer or fleet purchases please.