SASKATCHEWAN TO JOIN CHALLENGE OF BILL C-68

Released on September 26, 1996

Justice Minister John Nilson and Environment and Resource Management
Minister Lorne Scott today announced that Saskatchewan will seek
intervenor status in Alberta's constitutional challenge to the
licensing and registration provisions of Bill C-68, the federal
government's Firearms Act. Ontario, Manitoba and the Yukon have also
announced that they will seek intervenor status.

Saskatchewan, Alberta, Manitoba and the Yukon will also be opting out
of administering the new federal firearms control program.

"I have advised federal Justice Minister Allan Rock of Saskatchewan's
actions," Nilson said. "My counterparts and I simply cannot stand by
while universal firearms licensing and registration penalizes lawful
gun owners and users, but does nothing to reduce crimes involving
firearms or smuggling."

Nilson also advised Rock that effective immediately, Saskatchewan will
no longer be participating in planning discussions with respect to the
implementation of Bill C-68.

In launching a challenge, the Alberta Court of Appeal has been asked to
determine if the federal government can impose universal firearms
licensing and registration on the provinces and territories under the
Constitution, or if it infringes on the property and civil rights of
Canadians.

"Hunting, trapping and wildlife groups have told us they support the
actions we are taking," Scott said. "Firearms play an important role
in the life of Canadians in rural and northern areas of the country and
these concerns were not considered in developing this legislation."

"The challenge is against the licensing and registration provisions of
Bill C-68, not the current firearms program. We only recently reached
agreement with the federal government for funding the current program.
Saskatchewan believes the program's effectiveness should have been
evaluated before further firearms restrictions were proposed and
implemented," Nilson said.

"Saskatchewan will continue to prosecute Criminal Code offences
involving firearms. We are opting out of the day-to-day administrative
duties required to run the program.

"We support a tough stance against criminal use of firearms and
smuggling. Saskatchewan tried to be constructive in recommending
appropriate, effective measures to enhance Bill C-68. However,
universal licensing and registration are not effective or
cost-efficient means to curb the dangerous use of firearms. We cannot
support legislation which is fundamentally wrong for the people of this
province," Nilson said.

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For more information, contact:

Lynne Godlien
Saskatchewan Justice
Regina
Phone: (306) 787-5657