Things that the Conservative Party has done in the past two weeks to emphasize that their bill to eliminate the long-gun registry is strictly a Private Member’s one:

– launched an anti-long-gun registry billboard ad campaign in 20 rural ridings held by opposition MPs across Canada;

– created a targeted radio campaign to coincide with aforementioned billboards;

– hosted another rally, this time in Estevan, Saskatchewan (without fried chicken);

– started up a twitter account with two followers: PM Stephen Harper and Minister Jim Flaherty;

– went on the road with a bus tour of their own; and

– falsely promised to pay for a new arena in Quebec (thus briefly bringing back memories of the beloved Nordiques).

In case you are wondering how that last item is relevant, ask yourself: how do you think PM Harper got all of his Conservative Quebec MPs to vote against the long-gun registry, despite the their constituents’ overwhelming support for it?

The only thing worse than teasing the hopes of Canadian hockey fans is playing political games with a public safety tool that is supported by police, women’s groups, emergency physicians and nurses. And victims. People should listen to them.