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On February 14th, 2018, Nikolas Cruz killed 17 people, comprised of teachers, and students at Stoneman Douglas High School with an AR-15.  He had a lengthy history of threatening behavior, had often been described as a loner and someone with a temper. The FBI have been alerted and Nikolas had been placed on their watch list. Despite small efforts from gun regulation laws in the United States, Cruz still was able to obtain a firearm.However, could this have happened in Canada, if the situation was the same?

 

Statistics point to a different result.  In order for the priorly expelled student to have acquired a gun in Canada, he would have had to pass RCMP clearance, which he would have doubtlessly failed. Furthermore, there was certainly enough evidence to deny the application submitted by Nikolas within Canada, but in the United States, it requires much more proof to refuse access.

 

Canada’s gun-related laws are much stricter with a myriad of references and screening processes required. Applicants must first take part in the Canadian Firearms Society Course, then they are screened by the RCMP for their Possession and Acquisition License (PAL).  Following these trials, they must mail in provisional personal references within a supplemental application. Once completed, they must wait for a required amount of time before they are granted the ability to purchase a gun.

 

In Canada, firearms are divided into three categories that designate which types are authorized to be sold; prohibited, restricted and non-restricted. Guns under the prohibited class include military-grade assault weapons (AK-47s), sawed-off shotguns and sawed-off rifles.  Prohibited armament licenses have typically not been available since December 1st, 1998 unless it has been passed down from another family member. Restricted firearms are easier to obtain than those in the prior category but the license is an additional $80.00, must be renewed every five years and they can only be used for target practice and as collector's items.  This classification encompasses handguns and AR-15 rifles. Non-restricted guns, the most common type, include rifles and shotguns and are most commonly used for hunting and target practice, though there are very strict laws on hunting grounds.

 

In Canada, handguns and semi-automatic rifles and shotguns can only be used for target shooting.  Private firearms are not marketed or sold as weapons unlike in other industrialized nations. The only legal reason to own non-restricted firearms are to possess them as sporting equipment for paper target shooting or to kill animals in hunting season. On the contrary, in the U.S. owning a gun is firmly related to self-defense.  Americans declare the right to bear arms as a constitutionally enshrined right and the NRA (National Rifle Association) has put much effort and money into ensuring that firearm laws remain loose and relaxed.

 

Gun-related homicide rates in Canada are about 3.5 people per 100,000, whereas in the United States it is 7 times the amount.  Albeit, there are countries who have much lower rates such as Japan (0.01 per 100,000) and the United Kingdom (0.06 per 100,000).  Many are left wondering if harsher firearm laws would help reduce the number of deaths due to guns.

 

In the United States, it is quite easy to purchase a gun and this contributes to the high homicide rate.  In order to make an in-store purchase all you have to do is fill out a form with a small variety of questions about and including whether you have been convicted of a crime or committed to a mental institution.  Following the completion of the form, the store makes a brief call to the FBI to support the claims which usually results in the authorization to purchase a firearm. Of all the applications that are sent in, around only 1% are denied. Those who wish to avoid the FBI can easily do so by purchasing their gun from gun shows, friends, family, neighbors or private sales.

 

The nation of Canada is much safer and more careful with its firearm laws than the United States, but there is no stopping those who intend on reeking havoc and tragedy.  We must from now on be vigilant and observant of the behavior of those around us. Society has changed so we must change with it and remember, if you see something, say something.