To fully round out the conversation on gun violence, I wanted to cast the net as far and wide as possible, which includes talking to community-based organizations, whose members are directly impacted by gun violence. I spoke with Ken Price, of the Danforth Families for Safe Communities to get more insight into this important perspective of the gun violence debate.

Who are the Danforth Families for Safe Communities?

The Danforth Families for Safe Communities organization is a group of concerned citizens in the Danforth area of Toronto, Canada who are committed to working together to create safer and more inclusive neighborhoods. The group was formed in the wake of the tragic shooting on the Danforth in 2018, which left two people dead and 13 others injured.

Since its inception, the Danforth Families for Safe Communities organization has been actively involved in a number of initiatives aimed at improving safety and building a sense of community in the area. These include working with local businesses to promote safety measures, organizing events and activities to bring neighbors together, and advocating for policies and programs that support public safety.

One of the key goals of the Danforth Families for Safe Communities organization is to help build a sense of community and belonging in the neighborhood. To this end, the group has organized a number of events and activities, including block parties, movie nights, and neighborhood clean-ups. These events provide an opportunity for neighbors to come together and get to know one another, fostering a sense of connection and belonging in the community.

How is Public Safety Impacted by Gun Laws?

The organization has also been actively involved in advocating for policies and programs that promote public safety. This includes working with local authorities and politicians to advocate for increased funding for policing and community programs, as well as supporting initiatives that aim to reduce gun violence and improve mental health services.

For the Danforth Families for Safe Communities, stolen firearms is a major concern.

There are several ways in which stolen weapons can pose a risk to public safety. For example:

• Stolen weapons may be used to commit crimes: When a weapon is stolen, it can end up in the hands of individuals who may use it to commit crimes such as robbery, assault, or even murder. This can lead to serious harm or death for the victims of these crimes.
• Stolen weapons can be sold or traded on the black market: Stolen weapons can be sold or traded to individuals who are not legally allowed to possess them, such as convicted felons. These individuals may use the weapons to commit crimes or may sell them to others who may do so.
• Stolen weapons can be used to intimidate or threaten others: When individuals have access to stolen weapons, they may use them to intimidate or threaten others, leading to a sense of fear and insecurity in the community.

Overall, the risk of stolen weapons on public safety is significant, as they can end up in the hands of individuals who may use them to commit crimes or engage in other dangerous or illegal activities. It is important for communities to take steps to prevent weapon theft and ensure that stolen weapons are recovered as quickly as possible to minimize the risk to public safety.

Has the federal government of Canada done enough to reduce the incidents of stolen firearms?

In 2021, the federal government of Canada released a plan called “A PATH FORWARD: Reducing Gun and Gang Violence in Canada.” This comprehensive plan aims to address the issue of gun and gang violence in Canada through a multi-faceted approach that includes strengthening laws, investing in prevention and intervention programs, and supporting communities affected by violence.

One of the key components of the plan is the strengthening of laws related to gun and gang violence. This includes measures such as increasing penalties for those who use firearms to commit crimes, introducing mandatory minimum sentences for certain gun offenses, and restricting access to certain types of firearms.

Despite these measures, it is difficult to say definitively whether the federal government of Canada has done enough to prevent stolen guns, as this is a complex issue with many different factors at play. However, the government has taken several steps to try to prevent the theft of guns and reduce the risk of stolen guns being used to commit crimes.

One of the measures that the federal government has taken to prevent stolen guns is the implementation of stricter regulations for the storage and transport of firearms. These regulations aim to ensure that guns are stored in a secure manner to reduce the risk of theft. In addition, the government has also introduced requirements for the marking of firearms to make it easier to trace them if they are stolen.

The federal government has also invested in initiatives to help prevent gun theft. For example, the government has funded programs to educate gun owners on the importance of properly securing their firearms and has provided funding to support the development of secure storage solutions.

Overall, while it is difficult to completely prevent the theft of guns, the federal government of Canada has taken a number of steps to try to reduce the risk of stolen guns being used to commit crimes. These measures include stricter regulations for the storage and transport of firearms, investments in prevention initiatives, and efforts to trace stolen guns and bring those responsible for their theft to justice.

Learn more at danforthfamilies.com