Assembly Of First Nations Votes To Oppose Bill C-21

The fight against Bill C-21 and its amendments continues to drag on in Ottawa, with the Assembly of First Nations now voting to oppose the legislation.

In the past two weeks, we've seen opposition to the Liberal government's Bill C-21 and its amendments raised from many different sectors. Along with the expected resistance from firearms-focused special interest groups, western provincial leaders and the Conservative party, we've seen comments from a wide range of NDP politicians indicating their reluctance to support the latest amendments to C-21. We also see some hesitance from the Bloc Quebecois, although less reluctance there than with the NDP.

Outside the world of politics, Montreal Canadiens goalie Carey Price made headlines by publicly opposing C-21 on social media. Media personalities have also stepped up with the same message, that it's not fair to arbitrarily criminalise legal firearms and their owners. Outdoors organisations focused on hunting and fishing also seem to be putting up more resistance than usual. But now, the opposition from the Assembly of First Nations, which represents more than 600 First Nations from across Canada, really drives this message home: Bill C-21 is a massive problem for legitimate firearms owners of all backgrounds, even if the ruling Liberals deny it.

Native hunters were exempted from the Order in Council firearms bans of May, 2020. If a native hunter wanted to use a Mini 14 to hunt deer, they could continue to do so, supposedly, although most Canadians could not legally own that firearm under the OiC ban. However, no such exemption was listed under the Bill C-21 amendments, and as soon as this issue blew up in parliamentary committee proceedings, native leaders have expressed their unhappiness.

Now, they've nailed this sentiment down with a vote of the Assembly of First Nations in Ottawa on Thursday, December 8. The special chiefs present at that meeting unanimously voted to press the federal government to exempt long guns used by natives for hunting from Bill C-21. The motion also asked the federal government to properly consult with all groups affected by the changes proposed in the C-21 amendment.

It's an important sign of how people across Canada feel, but note that the Assembly of First Nations doesn't sit in Canadian parliament—currently, the Liberals control the House and if they have enough support from the NDP, Bloc or other MPs, Bill C-21 will ultimately pass, amendments and all. And even if the Liberal government adds an amendment exempting First Nations from C-21's reach, that won't help Canadian shooters without native heritage.

So, if you want to keep this fight up, keep pressure on local media, your local, provincial and national politicians, and don't forget about contacting the Senate! Remember, we have form letters for you here.