Fact Check: Jane Doull 2d · Williamson , our most recent MP and current Conservative candidate, is spreading misinformation again. The Liberals do have gun laws and remain committed to addressing concerns about violent crime. However there is no intention to take hunting guns away from hunters. I’ve heard this raised year after year , but I have seen no evidence that hunters are being prevented from using legally owned guns to go hunting, depending on whatever the local hunting rules are ( which are not set by the federal government- for example seasons , quotas etc ) . The types of guns currently not allowed or likely to be restricted in the future are guns such as assault rifles which are not necessary or appropriate for hunting.

Analyzing the Claim on Canadian Gun Laws and Hunting Firearms

Introduction

The claim made by Jane Doull suggests that the current Conservative candidate, Williamson, is spreading misinformation regarding Canadian gun laws. Doull asserts that the Liberal government does have gun laws aimed at addressing violent crime but has no intention of taking away hunting guns from hunters. She emphasizes that there is no evidence to support claims that hunters are being prevented from using legally owned guns, while also noting that restrictions apply to assault rifles, which she argues are not necessary for hunting.

What We Know

Current Gun Laws in Canada: The Government of Canada has implemented various gun control measures, including the prohibition of certain firearms classified as "assault-style." As of December 2023, the government has extended its list of prohibited firearms, including 104 families of firearms, which encompasses 324 unique makes and models. However, over 19,000 non-restricted firearms remain available for hunting and sport shooting 3 4.
Legislation and Regulations: The Liberal government has introduced legislation aimed at reducing gun violence, which includes a formal definition and ban on assault-style weapons. This legislation is part of a broader strategy to enhance public safety while still recognizing the rights of hunters and sport shooters 6 7 10.
Hunting Regulations: The regulations governing hunting firearms are primarily determined by provincial and territorial governments, which set specific rules regarding seasons, quotas, and the types of firearms that can be used 1 2. The federal government does not dictate these local hunting regulations, which may lead to confusion regarding the applicability of federal laws to hunting practices.
Public Safety Concerns: The Canadian government has cited a steady increase in gun violence as a rationale for strengthening gun laws, which has led to the prohibition of certain firearms deemed unsuitable for civilian use, particularly in the context of hunting and sport shooting 6 10.

Analysis

The claim presents a nuanced view of Canadian gun laws, particularly regarding the distinction between firearms used for hunting and those classified as assault-style.

Source Reliability: The sources cited provide a mix of government publications and news articles. Government sources, such as the official announcements from the Government of Canada 3 4 10, are generally considered reliable due to their authoritative nature. However, news articles from outlets like Global News and CTV News may introduce bias depending on their editorial stance, which should be considered when evaluating their reporting on gun laws 5 9.
Potential Bias: The claim itself appears to defend the Liberal government's position on gun control, which may indicate a bias in favor of the current administration's policies. Conversely, Williamson's position, which Doull criticizes, may reflect a more conservative viewpoint that opposes stringent gun regulations. This political context is essential for understanding the motivations behind the claims made by both parties.
Methodological Concerns: Doull's assertion that there is "no evidence" of hunters being prevented from using legally owned guns is somewhat vague. While it is true that many firearms remain available for hunting, the absence of specific evidence or case studies to support her claim raises questions about the comprehensiveness of her argument. More detailed data on hunting practices and the impact of recent legislation on hunters would provide a clearer picture.
Conflicting Information: While Doull argues that hunting firearms are not being restricted, the government's actions in prohibiting certain types of firearms suggest a more complex reality. The distinction between hunting firearms and those classified as assault-style is critical, as it highlights the ongoing debate about what constitutes appropriate firearms for civilian use 3 4 8.

Conclusion

Verdict: Mostly True

The claim that the Liberal government does not intend to take away hunting guns from hunters is mostly accurate, as there are still over 19,000 non-restricted firearms available for hunting. However, the government's prohibition of certain assault-style firearms complicates the narrative, indicating that while hunting firearms are not being broadly restricted, there are specific limitations in place that could affect some hunters.

It is important to recognize that the assertion of "no evidence" regarding hunters being prevented from using legally owned guns lacks specificity and could benefit from more detailed data. The political context surrounding this issue also introduces potential biases that should be considered when evaluating the claims made by both sides.

Readers should remain aware of the limitations in the available evidence and the complexities of the issue. As with any contentious topic, it is advisable to critically evaluate information from multiple sources to form a well-rounded understanding.