Gun violence.
We’ve heard these words echoed far too many times over the past few years.
With gun violence in the U.S. so prominent, one wonders when things will begin to change.
When will gun laws be up for debate? When will President Donald Trump address the issue?
In the wake of Las Vegas, it’s an outrage, and it’s frustrating.
Guns are a problem in Toronto, too, though not the extent they are in the U.S. But there seems to be a relative lack of discussion about gun violence in Toronto.
Why discuss something that “sort of” happens here? Many people say that “Toronto isn’t as bad as the U.S.” or the events in happening in the States “don’t affect Canada.”
However, gun violence in Toronto has seen a huge spike over the past few months.
The laws that are in place for gun control simply need to be updated in both Canada and south or the border.
The term “mass shooting” is used when four or more people have been hurt due to a firearm.
We’ve seen many mass shootings this year in the U.S. According to data from the Gun Violence Archive, an online directory for information about gun-related violence, a total of 273 mass shooting incidents have occurred in 2017.
These numbers are growing at a rapid pace.
Toronto has seen 36 shooting homicides in 2017 alone, ranging from gang violence to armed robberies.
Mark Saunders, Toronto’s chief of police, has made various claims that Toronto’s gun violence issue is not as bad as the media portrays it to be.
But we’ve all seen these numbers and heard the cries of victims’ families.
When will it begin to change?
Here’s a suggestion for all leaders, both political and non-political. There’s a cliché we hear parents say too often which is “we need to build a better life for our kids.”
Gun violence may not be a “huge” issue in Toronto, but it is an issue that needs to be discussed, for the sake of the younger generations to come.
Toronto Police and Mayor John Tory should look into having more frequent gun amnesties, allowing Torontonians to turn in their guns, no questions asked.
This program was conducted over a 14-day period last November and proved to be very effective. Toronto Police collected 86 long rifles, 22 hand guns and over 8,000 rounds of ammunition.
Meticulous background checks should also be conducted when someone is purchasing a firearm, making sure they are equipped to own one.
Yes, gun violence in Canada “isn’t as bad as it is in the States,” but it is something that needs to be addressed.
While our laws around gun ownership are different from the States, guns are deadly no matter the rules.