Perhaps a separate "Josh gets sorted out in a pile on thread" would be helpful. :
The concealed weapon issue is somewhat lockstep with the whole gun control issue. If you are qualified enough to get one, you likely are not going to be a big threat.
As for the "lawful gun owners get picked on because they are easy to find" comment by GreyMatter, I disagree. I personally know of many people whose permits expired, or moved without notifying the Registry and didn't get charged or lose their weapons. However, it is nice when I am en route to a violent domestic to be able to run a quick check and see if I'm going into a firearm equipped home.
So far as my opinion on the registry, I can't see any reason to not be able to find out who owns a gun from its serialized information. I'm sure when a gun owners home gets broken in to they appreciate getting their weapons back when a bad guy gets caught with it.
ZC
I certainly agree with your comments about the lack of judges who deal properly with firearm offences. As for the registry, it is a waste of time because it is wildly inaccurate. 2 years to register my .22 and .303!!
All lawfully gun owners are required to have a PAL, therefore that information should pop up when you type in an address, giving you enough information to do your job. If the guns are stolen and the owner has the serial numbers in the report, then they should be traceable if recovered. The only purpose of the registry is for the eventual confiscation of the firearms. Allan Rock made it clear that firearm ownership was not for us common folk.
As for CCW the stats do not support your fears, it is rare for a firearm to be taken from a CCW holder. Anyone in Canada who is interested in getting their CCW will be someone who has a lot of interest and will take the training needed. Is their a possibility that a CCW holder may go bad? Yes there is, but the same applies to police officers, yet I don’t see the need to disarm them. Sad to say but most Police Officers have very poor gun handling skills and no interest in improving them beyond the basic requirements. I also believe that Police Officers should have to get their PAL, so they will at least have a basic knowledge of the Firearms Act. (I have met Officers who incredibility good with their firearms, but they seem to be the minority)
The courts her have recently confirmed the right of self defense still exists in Canada, also the fact that the police departments have no legal obligation to protect the private citizen has also been made clear, why then should a lawful citizen who is willing to take the training be barred from being able to exercise their right of self–defense?
FYI, we don't need stronger penalties for firearm offences. They are pretty harsh now. What we need are judges that are willing to give them out (or even abide by the mandatory minimum sentences) and that would be a nice start.
Also IMO there is no reason for the general population to be permitted to carry concealed weapons. Again, nothing against the legit gun owners. But imagine a situation where bad guy sees legit gun owner with a piece strapped to his hip. He waits until buddy goes to the parking lot, smashes him over the head from behind with a bottle and steals his piece. Now I have yet another gun on the street to worry about. If your day to day life is so off the rails that you need a gun to defend yourself, perhaps review your life choices or apply for one through the existing laws (ACT III as mentioned)
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