Political power struggles
Isn’t it fun to watch the various levels of government fight (about gun control)? I mean, what could possibly go wrong?
Before continuing, please note that Canada doesn’t have an equivalent to the American Second amendment. We still allow the politicians to make decisions. In the context of keeping a maximum number of citizens alive, we do need rules. At least, until firearms come with an “undo” button.
In AB, the provincial government is passing a law that would keep municipalities from implementing firearm controls. And in the same breath, the federal government is pointing out that there are already laws that would assure federal precedence over a provincial law that would limit municipal jurisdiction. Do you see this getting difficult? Probably not, as we have a pyramid of power that gives Ottawa the final say. But, it shows that peace is fragile.
The spoon that stirred the pot is the wish by certain cities to control storage and transport of firearms. Not the firearms themselves. The idea is that if you can’t keep it around OR transport it, a gun becomes useless. I’m paying attention, because we know that rational thought is not a given among politicians.
In another proof of this, look to Ontario. There, a sitting member introduced a bill that would reduce member salaries until the pandemic ends. And because power comes from above, the premier and his friends introduced a bill that would reduce the salary of the aforementioned member. Revenge, or schoolyard bully process? Who knows? At least it shows that the ability of politicians to protect their own assets is real.
