June 14, 1995

Ms. Anne Marie Driscoll
NB Regional Director
Canadian Federation
of University Women
Box 5, Site 3B
Kouchibouquac, NB

Dear Ms. Driscoll:

This correspondence is in reference to your letter to Solicitor General Jane Barry which appeared in the June 3rd edition of the Telegraph Journal. Judging upon the content of your letter, it appears you have been misinformed as to Bill C-68 and the New Brunswick Firearms Alliance would like to take this opportunity to present you with further information for your consideration.

First of all, the NBFA whole heatedly endorses firearms control that addresses the criminal misuse of firearms and encourages safe firearm use by law abiding Canadians. We believe in controls on the criminal and stiffer sentencing as do you; however, we do not support unnecessary restriction on everyday New Brunswickers. Much of what you are advocating in your letter exists currently under present laws. For example, all FACs must already be renewed every five years under the current legislation, as well, assault rifles have been prohibited in Canada since 1978. Large capacity magazines were banned in 1992. We assume that you have been deliberately misinformed in these areas as they are totally irrelevant to Bill C-68.

You also state that you support a cost effective national registry of all firearms. Well, such will cost millions and Canada would be much better served by putting such funding into things as post secondary education. As well, there is no evidence registration will reduce crime or firearm deaths. In fact, research suggests the contrary. For an elaboration of this, enclosed is a copy of a Brief submitted by the NBFA to the Justice Committee. Highlighted are those areas that deal with registration.

The NBFA assumes that as a Federation of University Women, your organization is academically inclined and deserves to fully understand the current debate over C-68. It is evident from your letter you do not have a true understanding, as much of what you stated was not factual. Perhaps you were one of the many women's groups approached by the Coalition For Gun Control to support C-68. One of these tactics is not to discuss current laws because of their already stringent nature. Please do not let yourself be used by another group to push their deceitful agenda; it reflects poorly on your organization.

The NBFA would welcome an opportunity to speak to your organization vis-à-vis Bill C-68 and address any concerns that may be had in terms of our position. We eagerly await your response.

Sincerely,

G.D. Calhoun
President

Enclosure

cc: Jane Barry