Firearm homicide in Canada: Extent, comparison and solutions

Canada has an elevated rate of firearm homicide relative to comparable countries. The causes of this high rate are not entirely clear, but a very high level of civilian firearm ownership, along with a rise in gang culture and associated violence, appear to be potential culprits, at least in part. Despite a general lack of consensus on appropriate policies, this project analyzes several policy options aimed at reducing the rate of homicides committed with firearms in Canada. These policies are a grandparented handgun ban, the re-introduction of the so-called long gun registry, a national buyback accompanied by a time disincentive, and the government’s proposed Bill C-71. Ultimately, Bill C-71 is held to be the most viable policy option, owing primarily to its focus on background checks and firearm purchase records.