Conservative MP’s — bolstered by a handful of Liberals and New Democrats — have narrowly voted in principle to kill the federal long gun registry.
The vote on Bill C-391 was read out in the House of Commons — 164 for, 137 against.
The private member’s bill — which would end the decade-old registry of most shotguns and rifles — now goes to a Commons committee for further study and possible amendment, before returing for a third vote.
Bruce Grey Owen Sound MP Larry Miller says the registry is a billion-dollar waste that targets honest gun-owners while doing nothing to fight crime.
Miller has been fighting for years to get the long-gun registry abolished and is pleased that they are so close, with this vote.
He hopes the third and final reading will come before Christmas, with the bill then going on to the Liberal dominated Senate.
Proponents, including police and victims-rights groups, say the long-gun registry is a useful investigative tool and has led to more responsible gun ownership, reducing suicides and deadly crimes of passion.