Gunman’s Open-Secret History of Firearms Possession

Following is a statement from Brian Sauvé, President of the National Police Federation, regarding the gunman’s widely-known and long-time possession and use of firearms:

“Today, the Mass Casualty Commission presented important information about who knew what, and when, about the gunman’s possession, illegal smuggling, frequent use, and deep fascination with firearms. Surprisingly, we learned that this information was widely known by his family, extended family, neighbours, and other community members.

Despite the fact that our Members were advised in 2010 about threats of violence made by the gunman toward an immediate family member, as well as an unnamed third-party tip that he potentially had access to firearms, there was insufficient evidence to allow our Members to secure a Warrant to determine whether there was any truth to these allegations.

Policing is a highly regulated profession in Canada and police powers are strictly limited by the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, including the right to be free from unreasonable search and seizure.

In Canada, police cannot search private premises without reasonable grounds and a warrant to do so, unless pressing circumstances are present. Obtaining a warrant requires an application to the Court, which is granted by a judge or justice of the peace, and only if the police have presented sufficient evidence to establish reasonable grounds to do so.

However tempting it may be to wish that such protections were not available to the perpetrator before he became a threat to our community, it is important to the integrity of our justice system that police adhere to their training and to uphold the law in all circumstances. Based on the information that was presented by the Mass Casualty Commission today about the nature of the reports that police received about the perpetrator’s firearms, our Members followed the law and their training.”

About the National Police Federation:

The National Police Federation (NPF) was certified to represent ~20,000 RCMP Members serving across Canada and internationally in the summer of 2019. The NPF is the largest police labour relations organization in Canada; the second largest in North America and is the first independent national association to represent RCMP Members.

The NPF is focused on improving public safety in Canada by increasing resources, equipment, training, and other supports for our Members who have been under-funded for far too long. Better resourcing and supports for the RCMP will enhance community safety and livability in the communities we serve, large and small, across Canada.

For more information:  https://npf-fpn.com/

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Media contact:

Fabrice de Dongo
Manager, Media Relations
fdedongo@npf-fpn.com
(647) 274-7118