Urgent Call to Action: Gun Control Advocates Demand SKS Rifle Ban as Buyback Program Intensifies

As Canada's federal buyback program for prohibited assault-style firearms gains momentum, a prominent gun control advocacy group is pressing Ottawa to expand its scope, specifically urging the inclusion of the widely available SKS semi-automatic rifle. PolySeSouvient, a group formed by survivors and victims of the 1989 École Polytechnique massacre, argues that the Soviet-era SKS poses a significant public safety threat and functionally mirrors weapons already deemed too dangerous for civilian ownership.

The current buyback initiative, targeting over 1,500 models of firearms banned by order-in-council in 2020, aims to remove these weapons from Canadian communities.

However, the SKS, despite its military origins and widespread presence, was notably absent from the initial prohibition list. PolySeSouvient contends that this omission is a critical loophole, pointing to the SKS's capacity for rapid, sustained firing and its frequent use in criminal activities, including serious acts of violence.

The SKS, or Simonov carbine, is a gas-operated semi-automatic rifle originally designed for the Soviet military.

While legally restricted to a five-round capacity in Canada, gun control proponents highlight the ease with which these rifles can be modified or used with non-compliant magazines, effectively increasing their lethality. They draw parallels to other banned firearms, emphasizing that the SKS's design and function align with the characteristics Ottawa sought to prohibit.

Critics of the SKS's exclusion often cite its role in various violent incidents across the country, underscoring their belief that its classification as a non-assault weapon is a misstep.

They argue that focusing solely on arbitrary technical criteria misses the broader public safety implications of such a potent firearm in civilian hands. For PolySeSouvient, the SKS represents a clear and present danger that undermines the very intent of the federal government's efforts to curb gun violence.

The federal government's firearms buyback program, now in its operational phase, continues to generate debate.

While proponents laud it as a crucial step towards safer communities, some gun owners and critics argue about its effectiveness, cost, and the specific criteria used for prohibition. The call to ban the SKS adds another layer of complexity to this ongoing national discussion, highlighting the evolving nature of gun control policy and the persistent demands for enhanced public safety measures in Canada.

As the government moves forward with its current initiatives, the pressure from groups like PolySeSouvient serves as a powerful reminder of the deep-seated concerns surrounding firearm accessibility and the continuous push to strengthen Canada's gun laws.

The fate of the SKS, and whether it will ultimately join the list of prohibited weapons, remains a central point of contention in the nation's ongoing gun control dialogue.