Assessing Canada's Gun Laws in the Wake of Tragedy

Thu Feb 12 2026 00:37:43 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Following a devastating school shooting, the effectiveness and strictness of Canada's gun ownership laws are once again under scrutiny. This article explores the current legislation and compares it to gun crime rates in other countries.

The recent mass shooting in British Columbia that claimed nine lives has reignited discussions about Canada's gun laws. Despite stricter regulations than in the U.S., gun-related homicides still pose a significant issue compared to other nations. This article outlines the current laws surrounding firearms ownership in Canada and highlights past mass shooting events that have influenced public policy.

Assessing Canada's Gun Laws in the Wake of Tragedy

Following a deadly school shooting that left nine individuals dead and 25 others injured in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, the effectiveness of Canada's gun laws is back in the spotlight. The investigation into the tragedy has prompted renewed discussions on whether existing regulations are stringent enough to avert future incidents.

Gun ownership in Canada is primarily governed by federal laws, with regulations stricter than many U.S. states. Currently, gun ownership is controlled under Canada's Firearms Act which mandates that firearms must be stored unloaded and secured. Potential buyers must also undergo extensive background checks and obtain a license.

Despite these regulations, gun-related homicides as a proportion of total homicides in Canada remain significantly higher than in other countries like England and Wales or Australia, albeit mass shootings are rare. Recent statistics indicate that in 2021, over 2.2 million Canadians were licensed gun owners, with an estimated 10 million firearms in circulation. British Columbia notably holds the highest rate of handgun ownership in Canada.

In 2022, the Canadian government implemented a national freeze on the sale and transfer of handguns, aiming to tighten control over firearms in light of ongoing violence. The Tumbler Ridge incident recalls previous mass shootings that have prompted changes in legislation, including the 2020 Nova Scotia shooting which resulted in 22 fatalities, leading to bans on military-grade assault weapons.

This article reviews the history of mass shootings in Canada and the evolving legal landscape surrounding gun ownership, reflecting on the balance between rights and public safety in a nation where firearms remain a contentious topic.