April 21st, 1975

Ottawa on the subject recently; however, The Honourable Otto Lang

refused to grant her an audience on the grounds that subject is presently
under consideration. Mrs. Burtinshaw mentioned that recent statistics

show 58% of gun homicides are committed with rifles, and pointed out

that the easy access to such weapons is a great factor in the high crime
rate. Mr. Doug Jack then spoke to the meeting and congratulated Mrs.
Burtinshaw on her presentation, stating he endorsed everything she said.

Mr. Jack commented he has long been an outspoken advocate of the registration
of firearms in this Province, if not in Canada, and mentioned that the
accessibility of firearms created an alarming situation. Mr. Jack

stated he knows very well the Rod and Gun Club people are responsible

and know how to handle guns, but the point is accessibility of firearms

te anyone with no questions asked. Mr. Jack pointed out that The Honourable
Otto Lang had made the remark to the effect that the task of registering
firearms would be a monumental one, and he queried "what is more important -
lives or paper work?", Mr. Jack stated he is trying to urge that registration

be required in purchasing firearms, and commented that persons trying to

detract from what he is doing would rapidly change their minds if they

could see the results of crimes committed with firearms as he has.

Mr. William Otway spoke to the meeting and stated he felt that one
of the first espects of gun regulation should be the control of people
who use guns, but advised he disagreed with firearm registration itself as he
did not feel this would do the job. Mr. Otway stated he was concerned
about security; however, he pointed out that while changes are needed,
the present laws are not being enforced, and commented that the Solicitor
General is intent on getting the criminal back on the street as fast as
he can. Mr. Otway stated that individuals wishing tc purchase firearms
should be required to take a test, and if the privilege of ownership is
abused, the firearms should be taken away. Mr. Gtway stated he felt -
that the Government should be concerned with enforcing the laws to
protect the people - not the criminal.

Mr. Harold Prante, representing the Port Coquitlam & District
Hunting & Fishing Club then spoke to the meeting and advised that the
B.C. Wildlife Federation has already made submissions to the Government
with respect to firearms legislation, and he stated he felt the first
step to curb crime is for law-abiding citizens to set a good example.

To Alderman Laking's query regarding the abandonment of capital

punishment, Mr. Jack advised that that law certainly did act as a deterrent.