As a federal correctional officer in Canada, I witness daily the harsh realities of our justice system. I see the worst of the worst daily, and my primary role is to protect Canadians and change lives. However, the current approach taken by the government makes this increasingly difficult.

The Canadian government is allocating a staggering $742 million to a gun buy-back program, a well-intentioned initiative but not the solution to our gun violence problem. Data clearly indicates that the root issue lies not with law-abiding Canadian citizens, but with the influx of illegal firearms entering our country through the borders. The Toronto Police Service reports that over 90% of gun crimes involve firearms smuggled in from the United States.

Instead of spending vast sums of taxpayer money on restricting law-abiding citizens who legally own firearms, efforts should be directed towards strengthening border security and ensuring illegal firearms do not reach our streets. ALMOST ALL DATA SHOWS THIS IS THE WAY. Furthermore, our existing laws must be revised to reflect the severity of gun-related crimes, and crimes in general. Too often, repeat offenders exploit lenient judicial practices, returning to the streets where they pose a threat to innocent Canadians. This is becoming an epidemic with how our government is soft on criminals and repeat offenders.

By redirecting funds from the gun buy-back program to more effective border control measures and increasing the capacity of our correctional facilities and building new facilities, we can make a tangible impact on reducing gun violence in Canada. Tougher sentencing and more robust rehabilitation programs will deter would-be offenders and repeat criminals alike.

This is not just about budget management; it is about truly protecting Canadians and ensuring safer communities. With a sensible reallocation of resources, focusing on the root of the problem—illegal firearms from across the border—we can safeguard our nation without infringing on the rights of responsible gun owners.

Join me in urging the government to reconsider its strategy on gun violence. Let us push for policies that address the core of the issue rather than masking it with superficial solutions. Sign this petition to demand an immediate halt to the wasteful gun buy-back program and advocate for a focus on border security and tougher crime legislation.