Montreal mayor wants to see federal ban on handguns
Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante is urging federal leaders to ban handguns, following a string of violent incidents in recent weeks.
Tuesday, the mayor stated she wants to see tighter controls at the borders to stop weapons trafficking in Canada.
She also suggested setting up a mandatory buyback program to get firearms off the streets.
"There is gun violence, yes in Montreal, but also in Contrecoeur, in Laval and Longueuil. That's the reality," Plante said. "So, I need the federal parties to understand and do the right thing, which is eventually coming up with a bylaw and right now, I want to have a concrete plan on how to protect Canadians, Quebecers and Montrealers."
Earlier this month, Quebec Public Safety Minister Geneviève Guilbault announced the Sûreté du Québec (SQ) would be partnering with Montreal police (SPVM) to fight gun trafficking, following a triple homicide on the island.
Authorities say they are on high alert, as “more and more criminals [are] wearing and using weapons in the city,” according to Sergeant Emmanuel Anglade.
“We've seen an increase in the past two years," he said. "There are more guns on our territory... more illicit guns, more illegal guns, more stolen guns that we've seized."
Anglade explains officials believe criminal groups are at the root of the violence.
“Our investigation leads us to conflicts between criminal groups, but we see other factors leading us to gun violence and violent crimes,” he said. “We could also talk about COVID-19, which shifted criminality to public spaces.”
Plante insists she wants to see all federal parties propose their plans to combat gun violence as part of their election platforms.
The federal elections are slated to take place on Sept. 20 and municipal elections in Quebec are set for Nov. 7.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.