Public Safety committee  Indeed, we are suggesting certain criteria. First of all, we are open to the idea of creating a definition in order to remove the famous lists of prohibited firearms, which are added to, multiplied or extended from one bill to the next. This is what we want to avoid by creating a definition on which everyone can agree.

Public Safety committee  To complete your idea in relation to the definition of a prohibited firearm, it is the fact of saying that the rifle “est conçu”, is designed, in a certain way that causes problems. It forces you to go and check the original blueprints of the firearm to find out which firearm is prohibited or not, which is impossible for ordinary citizens.

Public Safety committee  Later, the government answered some remaining questions in writing, but there was no further consultation apart from the invitation to appear before the committee.

Public Safety committee  I'm not sure I understand the question.

Public Safety committee  That is correct. They are illegal weapons.

Public Safety committee  I could not give an exact number.

Public Safety committee  We were contacted by Minister Mendicino's team and met with them in mid-January.

Public Safety committee  Yes, we did address that issue. That being said, we had to ask a lot of questions first in order to be able to understand the amendments and the impacts of the definition, as well as to find out what part of the list was added in November 2022. The main purpose of the meeting was to gain a better understanding of things.

Public Safety committee  The purpose of the meeting was not to convince us. I think it was really to clarify things and to ask us our opinion so that we could have an open discussion on what the definition of an assault weapon should be.

Public Safety committee  I would not go as far as to say that I fully support Mr. Langlois's classification approach, but it is based on objective criteria. These are the types of criteria that we are asking for, criteria regarding the loading mechanism, whether it be semi-automatic or manual. That makes things very clear.

Public Safety committee  We actually don't have a definition to recommend at this time. Rather, we think the first step should be to establish objective criteria in order to develop a definition. Also, we recommend that the hunting and sport shooting community be consulted, to make sure the definition is clear.