TO: The Editor, Telegraph Journal

FROM: NBFA Inc.

DATE: July 5, 1995

SUBJECT: Response to MP Harold Culbert's letter

This is in response to MP Harold Culbert's letter which appeared in the June 29th edition of the paper. Mr. Culbert states that the amendments made to Firearms Control Bill C-68 will "allow firearm owners...to enjoy hunting and shooting competitions as they always have." With his position, Mr. Culbert joins with his masters Mr. Chrétien and Mr. Rock in a campaign of misinformation and deception.

Let us examine some of the points presented by Mr. Culbert.

1) Owners of prohibited firearms can now sell or trade these firearms. They can, but only to a select group of people; those grandfathered with similar firearms. This group is small and, coupled with the fact the firearms are to be confiscated upon the owner's death, they are rendered basically worthless - subsequently unsaleable.

2) Prohibited handguns can now be used for target shooting and competitions. Handguns yes, but not the thousands of rifles that have been prohibited and those Mr. Rock intends to prohibit in the future. These rifles include those used for service matches and international competition. It makes little sense to own a firearm that cannot be used. Many such firearms cost in excess of a thousand dollars each. How Mr. Culbert sees this as fair is beyond me, since there is no rationale for the double standard between prohibited handguns and rifles.

3) Prohibited firearms and heirlooms can now be passed on as part of family estates. This is only true for handguns manufactured before 1946. These are only one class of prohibited firearms, the rest will be destroyed along with their contribution to their preservation of our history.

4) First time violations of firearms regulations are now summary conviction only, usually involving a crime. This is completely false. Only one offence, failure to register a firearm was amended. However, the accused must prove their was no intent to do such and, unless he or she can do this, they would be subject to 10 years in prison. Denis Lortie, who shot up the Québec legislature killing two and wounding many others, was released after 9 years. This is hardly equitable justice but this is what Mr. Culbert voted for.

5) Prohibited firearms can now be exported for commercial purposes or competitions. Only prohibited handguns can be transported to the border for out of country competition - not commonly used prohibited rifles. This export process will involve a great deal of red tape in the form of permits, etc. and associated fees will have to be paid. This will discourage most all competition in foreign shooting events.

As is evident from the above, either Mr. Culbert is intentionally trying to deceive his constituents or is accepting Mr. Rock's deceiving statements as fact. The amendments to Bill C-68 are of little consequence and Mr. Culbert should not claim to have made great inroads on behalf of his firearm owning constituents.

Mr. Culbert would do well to keep in mind the fact his democratically inclined firearm owning constituents are like an elephant. Their numbers are large and they will never forget how they were betrayed by his vote for C-68. The proof of this will be in the next federal election.

New Brunswick Firearms Alliance