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Police chiefs concerned about gun registry problems

The Sault-based Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP) will speak out for the first time this week about problems and cost overruns associated with the federal gun registry, SooToday.com has learned.
OCAP

The Sault-based Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP) will speak out for the first time this week about problems and cost overruns associated with the federal gun registry, SooToday.com has learned.

The position to be articulated in a news release being drafted this morning by OACP will differ significantly from that of the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police, which has staunchly defended the registration program in the face of sharp criticisms expressed last month by federal Auditor-General Sheila Fraser.

"Opponents have been using the auditor-general's report to attack the principles of the system," Ottawa Chief Vince Bevan, vice president of the federal association, said earlier this month. "I am here today on behalf of the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police to restate our support for Canada's firearms program."

SooToday News has learned that the statement being drafted at OACP's office at 123 March Street will express concern about the auditor-general's revelation that the cost of the firearms program will reach $1 billion by 2003-2004, far more than the original estimate of $2 million.

'We are concerned with the recent reports'

"OACP supports the retention of the legislation to ensure that the enhancements to public safety in respect to safe storage are not lost," OACP Executive Director Bill Malpass told us.

"However, in respect to long guns, we are concerned with the recent reports of registration problems and costs, along with the lack of public support," Malpass said.

At a meeting last Tuesday and Wednesday in Oakville, OACP's board reaffirmed its previously expressed support for the new firearms legislation, particularly those parts that dealt with safe storage of firearms and beefed-up penalties for their unlawful use.

However, the Ontario chiefs also decided to call on the federal government to co-operate fully with the public auditor's review of the long-gun registry problems, and with a related review by the consulting firm KPMG that's expected to develop recommendations and new options for that part of the firearms law.

"OACP looks forward to this open and transparent review to include a cost-benefit assessment and would help [the justice department] to formulate a plan for the future," Malpass said.


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David Helwig

About the Author: David Helwig

David Helwig's journalism career spans seven decades beginning in the 1960s. His work has been recognized with national and international awards.
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