School trustee's gun advocacy draws fire

Last Updated: Tuesday, December 19, 2006 | 3:16 PM PT

CBC News

A Vancouver school trustee is taking heat for speaking out in favour of a gun group's campaign for the right to carry concealed weapons in Canada.

Vancouver school trustee Sharon Gregson is featured on the front cover of the National Firearms Association Journal.
(CBC)

Sharon Gregson, a longtime NDP activist, was recently featured on the cover of the National Firearms Association Journal, holding a large handgun.

Gregson has just been granted a permit to carry a concealed handgun in the U.S. and has written to Prime Minister Stephen Harper asking why she can't have the same right in Canada.

"I don't think we should be embarrassed or ashamed of the fact that we're legal gun owners who enjoy a sport and want to talk about protection issues particularly if they apply to women."

Wendy Cukier, the president of the Coalition for Gun Control, said she was appalled by Gregson's decision to become the firearms association's cover girl.
 
Cukier said the trustee is sending out a dangerous message by advocating putting guns into the hands of more women.

"There is no evidence whatsoever that arming women makes them safer," Cukier said. "In fact, the evidence is quite the contrary, that more guns results in more deaths and injuries."

But Gregson said she's not advocating that women run out and buy guns.
 
"What I'm advocating for is, at least, a discussion in Canada about where we want to be in the long term around guns, so that we are formulating our public policy based on research and experience, not on an automatic knee-jerk reaction that guns are bad."

Cukier argues that discussion isn't necessary.

"I don't think we need to have a wider debate about carrying concealed weapons and handguns for self protection. It runs contrary to Canadian traditions and it certainly runs contrary to Canadian law."

B.C. solicitor general blasts Gregson

Gregson has crossed the line by advocating that she and other Canadians be allowed to carry concealed guns, as can be done in many U.S. states, says B.C. Solicitor General John Les.

"I don't care whether it's in a U.S. state or a Canadian province. I just don't think it's necessary to be carrying a concealed handgun. Full stop, period."

Les also took aim at Gregson's contention that she has the right to carry a handgun to defend herself.

"Go talk to your average policeman. That is not how we promote safe socieities. It's completely irresponsible, particularly coming from someone who is a school trustee."

New Democrat House leader Mike Farnworth is less critical of the veteran NDPer. But he does think she should be careful about her comments.

"Well, she's certainly saying that's her opinion, but it's not an opinion I share and it's not an opinion the vast majority of Canadians share."