June 23, 1995

Ms. Jane Barry
Solicitor General
P.O. Box 6000
Fredericton, NB
E3B 5H1

Dear Ms. Barry:

This correspondence is to kindly request that you provide our organization with your position in terms of the federal firearms Bill, C-68. In the media, your comments appear supportive of the legislation, which of course is of tremendous concern to the NBFA since your department will be responsible for administering much of it.

Our concerns around C-68 include the financial costs to New Brunswick and the diversion of law enforcement resources from the pursuit of true criminals. Are you supportive of spending provincial resources to enforce C-68, or will you join with your counterparts in other provinces in refusing to spend provincial revenue on this federal Bill? Also, are you willing to join with the western provinces in taking the federal government to court over the constitutionality of C-68 since it encroaches on property rights; clearly a provincial domain.

As I am sure you are well aware, the NBFA has been meeting with the Premier and he has pledged to support the NBFA against C-68. In concrete terms, what is your office planning to do to support Mr. McKenna's position?

Enclosed is a copy of some pertinent literature that we would like you to review as we fear that you have been provided a great deal of misinformation from Mr. Rock and groups supportive of the Coalition for Gun Control.

Thank you for your attention on this matter and should you have any questions in reference to the above, an NBFA representative would be very interested in meeting with you to discuss concerns.

G.D. Calhoun
President

cc: Premier, F. McKenna