Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed his support for Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree amid calls from the Conservatives for Anandasangaree’s resignation following a leaked conversation with his tenant. Speaking at a press conference at the United Nations, Carney stated, “I have confidence in the minister who is engaged in vital work.”
The conversation in question, captured in an audio recording, featured the minister raising doubts about the effectiveness of the Liberal government’s gun buyback program. Anandasangaree also mentioned the possibility of personally compensating a gun owner if they felt unfairly treated by the government. He reassured the gun owner that municipal police lack the necessary resources to prioritize enforcement of turning in banned firearms.
The Canadian Coalition for Firearm Rights circulated the leaked recording, which was obtained without the minister’s knowledge. This incident occurred shortly before Anandasangaree announced the launch of the government’s long-awaited gun buyback initiative for individuals, starting with a pilot program in Cape Breton, N.S.
Anandasangaree defended the gun buyback program in the face of criticism, emphasizing his belief in the ability of law-abiding citizens to comply with regulations. He also expressed confidence in law enforcement agencies to uphold the law, stating that in a country governed by the rule of law, it is essential for Canadian police to enforce legislation effectively.
