I lean centre-left. But as a gun owner, I feel my only choice is the Conservatives

Firearms have always been a significant part of my life, despite not growing up around them. My journey with guns began when I was 12, and I had the opportunity to shoot a small-bore rifle for the first time in the Air Cadet program. The challenge of target shooting, with its demands for focus, discipline, and consistency, immediately hooked me.

Between my time as a reservist with the Canadian Armed Forces, I spent 10 years working in the firearms industry, gaining experience in retail, distribution, importation, and manufacturing. I also worked as an instructor at a popular rental range, where I taught novice shooters how to safely use guns under close supervision. It was there that I met my wife, Tara.

Tara was on stress leave from her job as a 911 emergency operator, dealing with firearm-related calls that ended tragically. As part of her return-to-work program, she visited the gun range where I worked to face her fear of the sound of gunfire. I saw her struggling and offered to help her try shooting some smaller guns during quieter hours. Tara accepted the challenge, and despite initial tears and fear, she overcame her trauma and turned shooting into a hobby.

We got married in 2020, and Tara obtained her gun license, joining me in shooting matches. Her passion for shooting grew, and I even surprised her with her own competition pistol as a Christmas gift. Tragically, Tara passed away from cancer in 2022, leaving me to navigate the complexities of her estate.

As I sorted through Tara’s belongings, I realized that the Liberal government’s freeze on the sale, purchase, and transfer of handguns was about to take effect. I had to act quickly to transfer Tara’s pistol to avoid losing it. The legislation made no exceptions for passing on possessions to family members, and I was fortunate to start the transfer in time.

The government’s gun control measures, including the handgun freeze and the ban on “assault-style weapons,” have not had the desired impact on reducing gun violence. Criminals continue to smuggle guns across the border, while law-abiding gun owners like myself face restrictions and consequences.

As the federal election approaches, I am closely examining each party’s stance on firearms policy. Only the Conservative party is pledging to undo the Liberals’ confiscation and buyback scheme. I find myself frustrated at being scapegoated for issues I didn’t cause and am looking for a party that supports evidence-based gun regulations.

In the end, the upcoming election will be crucial for me as a gun owner, as I seek a party that will prioritize public safety while also respecting the rights and passions of responsible gun owners like myself.