Bill C-21 is now law.

It’s the federal government’s firearm legislation.

Kenora MP Eric Melillo says he’s disappointed the legislation passed.

“We were able to fight to hold it up for a quite a number of months, but make some small changes,” Melillo reflects as the fall sitting of Parliament has ended.

“Overall it’s still pretty much the same proposal that it was when the Liberals brought it forward.  It’s definitely something we’re not happy to see passed. We’re opposed to it and that is definitely something we will repeal when we form the government.”

Melillo adds that he has continuously fought against the bill, but to no avail.

“The Liberals have made it very clear with this bill that they are trying to ban a number of rifles that are used for hunting.  People right across northern Ontario and across the country rely on these firearms to provide for their families in many cases.  That’s actually doing nothing to keep guns out of the hands of criminals.”

Bill C-18 passed through the Senate with no amendments last Thursday, and received royal assent on Friday.

(File photo)