I have many people that are opposed to the registry, included in Canada’s Firearms Act, telling me that I’m incorrect in the assertions I’ve made about it.  I keep being told that I’m confusing my facts.  In reality, those telling me I’m confused may want to reassess their own comprehension of the Firearms Act, and specifically the correlation between the licensing system and the registry.

I’ve studied the Canadian Firearms Act in depth, and understand that screening is done when an individual applies for a license to acquire a firearm.  I also understand that an individual has to register each new firearm they acquire. 

When someone with a license registers their newly acquired firearm, it’s entered into the registry database, making it easier for police to track.  The police use the registry before responding to calls in order to determine how many firearms, if any, are in the home they’re responding to.  This offers police officers on the frontline an added layer of protection. 

In addition, as it is the law to register newly acquired firearms, if concerns arise through the screening process or as a result of individuals like Dr. Kane reporting their worries to the police, an investigation may be triggered, registration may be denied, and firearms may be confiscated. 

By eliminating the long-gun registry, the registry system would be incomplete, and thus, ineffective.  In addition, the added layer of protection provided to police officers would disappear, as would the protection provided to women and children. 

I have not confused the two; the registry and licensing systems are interrelated.