Thank you.
I recognize that the other parties are not supporting this provision in the bill. I actually hope the Conservatives will listen to all of the same groups that they quoted here today, like PolySeSouvient, Coalition for Gun Control and Dr. Alan Drummond, as we're dealing with other parts of the bill, because they've selectively pulled quotes from them. Halton Women's Place sent a letter to this committee in support of red flag provisions. The Doctors for Protection from Guns also sent information and appeared at committee in support of it. There is a difference of opinion on it.
I remain of the belief that this would be one more tool in the tool box that would be available to doctors and also to women who are unable to go to the police. The Doctors for Protection from Guns said:
We support the proposed “red flag” law. Family members, physicians and concerned individuals must have access to an efficient process to quickly have firearms removed from someone who may be at risk to themselves or others.
In Canada, suicide accounts for about 75% of gun deaths. A gun in the home increases adolescent suicide rates by threefold to fourfold. Evidence from other jurisdictions shows that “red flag” laws are effective in reducing firearm suicides.
Most people who survive a suicide attempt do not go on to die by suicide. This is why restricting access to lethal means saves lives. Suicide attempts with a gun are almost uniformly fatal.
That was from Dr. Najma Ahmed.
I am disappointed and I appreciate the comments that were made about women's groups. I've met with them multiple times on this provision, and we've agreed to disagree, but we are taking a tool away from women like those who go to Halton Women's Place, who are living with police officers who are using their firearms to threaten them.
Anyway, Chair, I will leave it at that. Thanks.