Firearm-related homicides in Canada have been steadily increasing, reaching a total of 223 in 2016, 44 more than the previous year. Shootings have now become the most common method of homicide, surpassing homicide by stabbing and beating. Gang-related homicides involving guns are no exception. In 2016 alone, police reported 141 gang-related homicides, 45 more than in 2015. Since 2013, gang-related homicides in Canada’s largest cities have almost doubled.
In November 2017, the federal government announced approximately $327.6 million over five years, starting in 2018–19, and $100 million annually thereafter, in new federal funding to tackle the increase in gun related violence and gang activity in Canada. This initiative will bring together federal, provincial and territorial efforts to support community-level prevention and enforcement efforts, build and leverage unique federal expertise and resources to advance intelligence related to the illegal trafficking of firearms, and invest in border security to interdict illicit goods including guns and drugs. Funding would also be provided to Indigenous organizations to help build capacity through education, outreach and research, addressing the unique needs of Indigenous communities and urban populations. The Initiative will help reduce gun and gang violence so that Canadians can feel safe in their communities.
Summit on Gun and Gang Violence
On March 7, 2018, the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada hosted a Summit on Gun and Gang Violence, to engage stakeholders and provide them an opportunity to share challenges, opportunities and best practices in the fight against gun crime and in combatting the deadly effects of guns and gangs in communities across Canada. The Summit was attended in person and via webcast by over 180 experts from law enforcement, Indigenous, youth and community organizations, mayors from large municipalities and representatives from most provinces and territories..
The nature of Guns and Offences that Gangs are likely to commit.
According to the criminal code, as outlined in the Constitution, there are various offences that are likely to be committed by gangs while in possession of guns. For instance, these gangs are likely to psyche themselves up and may end up engaging in uncouth behaviors that violate other people’s rights.
For example:
- Being in possession of unauthorized weapons.
- Inappropriate usage of weapons.
- Watering of guns serial numbers to conceal identity.
- Committing assault with the gun.
- Engaging in sexual assault with the gun.
What are the Possible Penalties?
According to the weapons act and the legal restrictions, a gang found to possess unlicensed guns may face five years each in jail. It only applies to first incidence occurrence; else if the culprits are found for a second or a third time, a jail term of not less than ten years may be applied. The guns and gangs law firm Burlington may come up with possible ways to free the gangs from facing the long jail term as some members may be innocent.
However, under the watchful eye of Burlington criminal defense counsel, the courts may allow gangs to use the guns for various events such as competitions; club games and sports as long as they are legitimate.
Some possible defense tactics to be applied by gangs in possession of guns.
One of the safest and legitimate ways to handle cases pending in court is through guns and gang defence counsel Burlington, who are endowed with impeccable skills regarding the possession of guns and ammunitions. The criminal defense lawyer will be in a position to challenge the legality of the search warrant imposed by the law enforcers, limit questioning by the authorities as well as avoid possible detention