Gun Death and Injury Declines
In spite of the recent increase in gang violence with illegal handguns in Canadian cities, such as Toronto, the fact is that firearm crime, death and injury have declined significantly overall. Gun violence, like cancer, takes many forms and requires integrated solutions. Gang violence with guns is very different from domestic violence with guns. Regrettably there are no easy solutions. Appropriate strategies must begin with a careful and fact-based analysis of the problem. ...download pdf

Combatting the Illegal Gun Trade
All illegal guns begin as legal guns and strong controls on legal guns are essential to preventing the diversion of legal guns to illegal markets. Remember if you do not know who owns what guns you have no effective control. ...download pdf

Integrated Strategy to Reduce Gun Violence

Combatting gang violence requires and integrated strategy – a strong policing and justice response, measures to choke off the supply of illegal firearms and efforts to address the roots of violence.

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Reducing Domestic Homicide
While there has been considerable focus on the problems of illegal guns, most women killed with guns are killed with legally owned guns, particularly rifles and shotguns. On average, one in three women killed by their husbands are shot, and most (88%) of them with legally owned rifles and shotguns. A study done in the provinces of New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island of family violence in rural setting found that 66% of the women who indicated there were firearms in their home said knowing about the firearms made them more fearful for their safety and well-being. ...download pdf

Reducing Suicide
Many people do not realize that the majority of gun deaths in Canada are suicide. More than one in five deaths among adults between the ages of 15 and 24 years is due to suicide. Suicide prevention experts have emphasized the importance of strong gun laws in reducing the death rate. With stronger gun laws gun suicide rates and overall suicide rates have fallen particularly for youth ...download pdf

Keeping Kids Safe
Firearm are a significant cause of death and injury in Canada for children under the age of 15 and youth from 15-24. The risks are greater in areas where guns are readily available. Keeping guns away from children and reducing access for youth at risk are a key part of a community safety strategy. Safe storage is key. ...download pdf