On June 2, 2016, Toronto police arrested about 20 people in several raids focused on guns, gangs and drugs.

On June 2, 2016, Toronto police arrested about 20 people in several raids focused on guns, gangs and drugs.
Photo Credit: Tony Smyth/CBC

Toronto councillor proposes gun amnesty

Canadians tend to think gun violence is a U.S. problem and may be shocked to learn a Toronto councillor is proposing a gun amnesty program for his own city, reports Canadian Press (CP). There has been a rash of gun violence in Canada’s largest city and on June 2 police raided about 30 locations seizing guns and drugs and making at least 20 arrests.

City councillor Giogio Mammoliti says a gun amnesty/buy-back program would provide a legal way for people to dispose of firearms without fear of prosecution. It would not apply to anyone who has used a gun while committing a crime.

Ottawa police collected more than 1,000 firearms in exchange for digital cameras in 2013. Several Canadian cities ran a similar “Pixels for Pistols” program.
Ottawa police collected more than 1,000 firearms in exchange for digital cameras in 2013. Several Canadian cities ran a similar “Pixels for Pistols” program. © CBC

Guns for cash or food

Mammoliti suggests the city offer $100 per gun or partner with a corporation like a grocery chain to offer gift cards.

In 2008, Toronto police traded digital cameras for firearms in a program called “Pixels for Pistols,” reports CP. They collected 1,900 wapons and 60,000 rounds of ammunition. Several other Canadian cities ran similar programs.

(files from Canadian Press, CBC)

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