Local Member of Parliament Bob Zimmer introduced a petition in the House of Commons in May, urging the federal public safety minister to reclassify the Armalite AR-15 rifle back to non-restricted status, the same style of gun used in the massacre at an Orlando nightclub early Sunday morning.
Zimmer said he was "honoured" to present the "record-setting" petition, which garnered more than 25,000 signatures across the country, with nearly 5,200 signatures from British Columbians alone.
Zimmer told the House May 13 he was introducing the petition on behalf of Newfoundland and Labrador resident Marc Bennett, "so we can once again use this rifle to lawfully participate in the Canadian cultural practices of hunting in Canada."
Zimmer was not available for comment last week, however, one Canadian sporting organization is applauding his petition.
Tony Bernardo, executive director of the Canadian Shooting Sports Association, said the AR-15 is "incorrectly classified" and called the semi-automatic rifle the "most commonly produced sporting rifle produced in the world."
The rifle has been reclassified multiple times since it was first produced in the 1960s mainly because of its imposing military-like design, but that shouldn't be the primary qualifier, he said. Currently, the rifle is limited to target and range practice, and can only be discharged on an approved gun range. Owners need a permit to transport the gun from their home, whether its to the range or a gun show, Bernardo said.
"It's only claim to fame is that it's black, ugly and expensive," he said.
"People go out and buy these things because they're terrific firearms, but, quite frankly, they're not any different or better than anything else. In most places in the world, you can hunt with these things but (here) you can't use it ... because its restricted."
Reclassifying the rifle to non-restricted status wouldn't eliminate the checks and balance system already in place for gun owners, Bernardo added.
The petition garnered a total of 25,249 signatures, getting the most from Ontario with 7,339 signatures. Another 5,749 Albertans signed the petition.
The government has 45 days to respond to the petition.
-with files from Citizen staff
