FIREARMS FACTS - UPDATE

IN 1976 THE LIBERAL GOVERNMENT ESTIMATED

MORE THAN 10 MILLION GUNS IN CANADA

On March 19, 1976, Justice Minister Ron Basford tabled a 19-page document in the House of Commons titled:

STATISTICS RELATING TO THE GUN CONTROL QUESTION

Ministry of the Solicitor General

Research & Statistics Development Branch

Ottawa, March, 1976

PAGE 1

QUESTION

How many guns are there in Canada, and what proportion of these are handguns, rifles and shotguns?

SHORT RESPONSE

There are an estimated 101/2 million guns in Canada.  Out of twenty guns taken at random, it is estimated that about twelve would be rifles, seven shotguns and one a handgun.

PAGE 2

QUESTION

What is the annual increase in the gun stock?

SHORT RESPONSE

An estimated 4%, or some 420,000 guns per year.