MONTREAL: Following a tragic shooting in Montreal that claimed three lives, including that of the gunman, prominent gun control advocacy groups are urging the federal government to implement an immediate ban on new sales of the SKS rifle. While Montreal police have not officially confirmed the specific weapon used in the attack, experts reviewing photographs circulated on social media believe it is highly likely a Soviet-era semi-automatic SKS rifle. Weapon analyst AJ Somerset noted that the rifle in the images displays a distinct integrated bayonet that folds beneath the barrel, a key characteristic of the SKS.
The semi-automatic SKS rifle dates back to the Soviet Union in the 1950s, though it was also manufactured by other nations like China and Yugoslavia. Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, large stockpiles were exported to various countries, including Canada. Due to its affordability, the rifle became highly popular among licensed Canadian gun owners and Indigenous hunters. Although the federal government has banned approximately 2,500 types of firearms since 2020, the SKS is currently not included on that list.
In light of the Montreal tragedy, the gun control advocacy group PolySeSouvient has demanded an immediate freeze on new SKS sales. Heidi Rathjen, a spokesperson for the group and a survivor of the 1989 École Polytechnique massacre, emphasized that halting new sales would prevent the issue from worsening without taking property away from existing owners. She argued that limiting easy, legal access to high-capacity weapons capable of rapidly causing mass casualties is a vital preventative measure, alongside addressing mental health concerns.
However, opponents argue that targeting specific firearm models is ineffective. Tracey Wilson, vice-president of public relations for the Canadian Coalition for Firearms Rights, stated that tragedies should not be exploited for political agendas, arguing that discussions should instead focus on the underlying motivations driving individuals toward such extremism. Somerset also expressed skepticism, noting that banning named models in response to high-profile incidents fails to address the root problems, as perpetrators would simply turn to other available firearms.
Meanwhile, the federal government stated that a comprehensive review of Canada’s firearms classification regime is underway. The Ministry of Public Safety clarified that definitive actions will follow official confirmation from Montreal police, and future adjustments regarding the SKS will involve distinctions-based consultations with Indigenous communities. Prime Minister Mark Carney indicated that the government will rely on advice from subject-matter experts, including the RCMP, to determine future bans. Conversely, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre criticized the current administration’s policies, arguing that gun crime has risen significantly despite existing bans, which he claims disproportionately target law-abiding farmers, hunters, and sport shooters.
