Canada's Liberal government is facing the age-old tug between individual freedom and the need for public protection as it steers Bill C-71 through the upper house of parliament. Liberal critics say that the proposed legislation is the bare minimum necessary to fulfil the Liberals' manifesto pledge. They point to the more drastic action taken by New Zealand in the aftermath of the mosque shootings. On the other hand, Conservatives complain about the extra burden placed on law-abiding gun owners while nothing is done about illegal firearms.
On the horizon are the next federal elections. Justin Trudeau is already tainted by the SNC-Lavalin affair and October 21st could see his majority disappear in the face of a Conservative resurgence and desertion by more radical Liberal voters. A Conservative government in Ottawa, or a minority Liberal administration which has had its wings clipped, have implications for trade negotiations with the UK if we are out of the EU by then.
Thanks to today's BBC World Service news broadcast for the alert.
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