Dean Dexter Voisin speaks to CTV News about the Canadian government’s ban on assault-style weapons

On May 1, 2020, the Canadian government announced a ban on military-grad assault weapons. CTV News followed up with FIFSW Dean and Professor Dexter Voisin for comment in two separate interviews.

While he applauded the ban, Dean Voisin emphasized that a broader strategy will be needed to reduce deaths due to guns: given that 70 percent of all gun related deaths in Canada are due to suicide, investment in mental health resources and ensuring people have access to mental health services is key. He also pointed to the importance of addressing the use of illegal guns, which account for a larger proportion of homicides. In each interview he underscored the importance of better understanding the social drivers of illegal gun use.

Below are links to his recent interviews:

• Ottawa bans 1,500 assault style weapons, CTV News, May 2, 2020
• Assault style weapons banned in Canada, CTV News, May 1, 2020

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