DOCTORS FOR PROTECTION FROM GUNS
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​Imperfect but comprehensive gun control legislation will save lives: Canadian Doctors for Protection from Guns reacts to draft law  

Toronto, February 16, 2021 – Canadian Doctors for Protection from Guns (CDPG) is welcoming the introduction of new gun control legislation by Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Minister Bill Blair as important progress on a significant issue of public health. While the draft law leaves much work still to be done, the more than a dozen elements dealing with the many different aspects of gun violence make it worthy of CDPG’s support.
 
“This is a comprehensive bill that, if enacted, will save lives,” said Dr. Najma Ahmed, co-Chair of CDPG and trauma surgeon at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto. "In particular, there are several less high-profile measures that mark important progress in the effort to change the culture on guns in Canada."
 
In addition to enshrining the historic May 1st Order-in-Council ban of more than 1,500 types of assault weapons, the bill includes new measures to discourage the proliferation of handguns, disarm hate, restrict magazine capacity, strengthen storage requirements, prevent the glorification of guns in advertising, and confront gun smuggling and straw purchasing.
 
“We are particularly pleased with the action taken on non-powder firearms (BB and pellet guns), a gateway gun that is a cause of injury in children,” said Dr. Kirstin Weerdenburg, CDPG executive member and Pediatric Emergency Physician at the IWK Health in Halifax.
 
CDPG remains concerned that the government has opted for a voluntary, rather than compulsory buyback program with regards to the assault weapons ban and that it has not pursued a national handgun ban as recommended by multiple stakeholders. The Committee process will afford an opportunity for further consideration. Additional details on the proposed “red flag” law are required, as the rapid removal of guns from people deemed a risk to themselves or others is a stated goal of the government and one CDPG shares.
 
"Doctors and other health care workers are close witnesses to the damage guns do – physically and psychologically - to their patients,” said Dr. Paola Fata, CDPG member and Director, Division of General Surgery​, McGill University Health Center in Montreal. “The evidence is clear: restricting access to these weapons will reduce injury and death.” 
 
Since forming nearly two years ago to the day, CDPG has urged policy makers to recognize the complexities of gun violence: 75% of gun deaths are suicide and guns are the most common reported means of killing women and girls. The organization has called for a comprehensive public policy approach, including addressing social determinants of gun violence such as poverty and racism.
 
“This is imperfect legislation but a very Canadian approach to addressing a complex issue," said Dr. Philip Berger, Senior Advisor to CDPG and an Associate Professor at the University of Toronto. "To make the further changes still necessary, the 80% of Canadians who support gun control need political parties other than the Liberals to step up and be accountable."
 
CDPG looks forward to ongoing dialogue with this and successive governments to make Canadians safer from gun violence.
 
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About Canadian Doctors for Protection from Guns
Canadian Doctors for Protection from Guns (CDPG) is a grassroots organization concerned about the increasing public health impact of firearms. We represent physicians working in collaboration with nurses, paramedics, rehabilitation specialists, psychologists, researchers and other front-line health care professionals. We have all witnessed first-hand the emotional and physical trauma and devastation caused by guns. CDPG calls for a comprehensive public policy response to this crisis in our communities, including preventative tools to reduce gun use and their consequences on youth violence, domestic abuse, and suicide.
 
For more information, please contact:
Christopher Holcroft
Empower Consulting
For CDPG
416-996-0767
christopherholcroft@hotmail.ca



February 12, 2021
 
Canadian Doctors for Protection from Guns statement on the recent shootings of teenage girls in Toronto and Montreal

Members of Canadian Doctors for Protection from Guns share in the sorrow over the shooting of two teenage girls, a 15-year-old Montreal girl shot and killed in a vehicle, and a 14-year-old girl shot last night in her apartment in Toronto and in critical condition. We extend our sympathies.
 
Our communities must be safe – especially for our children. These latest examples – and they are only the latest – of gun violence involving children must be a wake-up call to all Canadians. As physicians, we see these tragedies up close. It is devastating for everyone involved. No doctor wants to have to take a parent into the “quiet room” to explain to them their child has not survived the brutality of a bullet.  No doctor wants to meet another parent who will never be themselves again because we as a society have failed their child.
 
We cannot become immune to the headlines; we cannot let gun violence become the common occurrence it has been in the United States. These are shocking and unacceptable acts of gun violence that demand swift, comprehensive action from our political leaders at all levels of government and in all political parties. A multi-pronged approach that includes addressing the social determinants of health – poverty, racism, and education, among others, will save lives. We also know – the evidence is clear – that restricting access to guns and reducing their proliferation will save lives. No serious approach to addressing gun violence in Canada can ignore this.
 
Health workers try to heal the injured. Policy makers must do more to prevent these injuries. It is the least we must do for our children.
 
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About Canadian Doctors for Protection from Guns
Canadian Doctors for Protection from Guns (CDPG) is a grassroots organization concerned about the increasing public health impact of firearms. We represent physicians working in collaboration with nurses, paramedics, rehabilitation specialists, psychologists, researchers and other front-line health care professionals. We have all witnessed first-hand the emotional and physical trauma and devastation caused by guns. CDPG calls for a comprehensive public policy response to this crisis in our communities, including preventative tools to reduce gun use and their consequences on youth violence, domestic abuse, and suicide.
 
For more information, please contact:
Christopher Holcroft
Empower Consulting
For CDPG
416-996-0767
christopherholcroft@hotmail.ca


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January 29, 2020
 
Canadian Doctors for Protection from Guns statement on fourth anniversary of Islamic Cultural Centre mass shooting
Justin Trudeau and Bill Blair urged to take action on guns and hate

As Canadians mark the sombre fourth anniversary of the mass shooting at the Islamic Cultural Centre of Quebec City, Canadian Doctors for Protection from Guns (CDPG)  expresses solidarity with the affected families, the Muslim community,  all Quebecers and Canadians. We continue to mourn the horrible loss of life and are saddened by the unthinkable trauma faced by survivors and the families of the victims.
 
As we were tragically reminded that day, the combination of hate and guns is a toxic mix – and continues to be a threat to the public health and well-being of Canadians. The recent political violence in the United States underscores the scope of the threat. It is incumbent on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Minister Bill Blair to act with urgency.  Words are not enough, action is needed.
 
The federal government’s decision to ban assault weapons was a wise, preventative measure. Discussions on placing a rising number of extremist groups on Canada’s terror list are welcome too. Still, Canada must do more. The gun used to murder six people and injure five others was a legally registered handgun. Also used were multiple large capacity magazines. The government should move swiftly on a national ban on both.
 
Measures to restrict access to handguns as a means of reducing gun injury and death are supported by medical research. Handgun bans also have wide support among Canadians according to regular opinion polls. Experts including the Canadian Anti-Hate Network have detailed the ongoing risks to society if governments fail to stop hate and strengthen gun control. Indeed, the tragedy at the Islamic Cultural Centre is not an isolated event in Canada; gun violence motivated by hate resulted in the two worst mass shootings in our country’s history – École Polytechnique and Portapique. We urge the government to move forward with a mandatory buy-back program for assault weapons and to an evidence-informed red flag law.
 
With Parliament back in session, renewed attention is on evidence-based decision-making and the need to take bold, comprehensive action to foster safe and inclusive communities. We urge the federal government to act now on behalf of Canadians.
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About Canadian Doctors for Protection from Guns
Canadian Doctors for Protection from Guns (CDPG) is a grassroots organization concerned about the increasing public health impact of firearms. We represent physicians working in collaboration with nurses, paramedics, rehabilitation specialists, psychologists, researchers and other front-line health care professionals. We have all witnessed first-hand the emotional and physical trauma and devastation caused by guns. CDPG calls for a comprehensive public policy response to this crisis in our communities, including preventative tools to reduce gun use and their consequences on youth violence, domestic abuse, and suicide.
 
For more information, please contact:
Christopher Holcroft
Empower Consulting
For CDPG
416-996-0767
christopherholcroft@hotmail.ca



December 3, 2020

The Honourable Maryam Monsef, Minister for Women and Gender Equality
maryam.monsef@parl.gc.ca 

Dear Minister Monsef,

With Canada set to mark the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women December 6th – an event created to recognize the victims of the École Polytechnique mass shooting – I am writing to urge you and your government to take action on stronger gun laws. 

As we know, gun violence prevention is a gender issue. Consider the following: the Canadian Femicide Observatory for Justice and Accountability notes that in 2019, guns were the most common reported means of the killing of women and girls; and the Office of the Federal Ombudsman for Victims of Crime has specifically urged policy makers to take into consideration the link between firearms and gender-based violence.

A wide body of scientific evidence has underlined the risks guns pose to women, leading the Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada to recommend that, “when there is concern regarding intimate partner violence or family violence, the presence of a firearm in the home must be determined and, if present, should be considered a risk factor for homicide of a family member.”

I am pleased that your government introduced a ban on assault weapons. Still, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to put women and girls at particular risk of violence. I encourage you in your role as Minister for Women and Gender Equality to support further actions to prevent gun violence, including: 

• A ban on handguns and large capacity magazines
• A meaningful red flag law to remove guns from people who are at risk of violence
• Stricter policies on gun storage
• Changes in advertising rules to incorporate public education
• Assistance for organizations providing gender-based violence supports and services

I invite you to view more evidence and listen to moving stories from women who have been directly affected by gun violence on a new educational video from Canadian Doctors for Protection from Guns. 

Minister Monsef, now is the time to act to make women and girls safer from guns. Please help lead the fight for change.

Sincerely,

Najma Ahmed MD, FRCS 
Philip B. Berger MD, CCFP
Julie Maggi MD, FRCP
Lynn Wilson MD, CCFP
Co-founders, Canadian Doctors for Protection from Guns

CC: The Honourable Bill Blair


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October 20, 2020
Canadian Doctors for Protection from Guns announce new 4-year scholarship opportunity with mentorship for a young person affected by gun violence

​Announcement part of National Day of Action call for federal government to invest in social determinants and implement a national ban on handguns

Toronto, October 20, 2020 – Canadian Doctors for Protection from Guns (CDPG) announced a new scholarship for a young person affected by gun violence as part of its National Day of Action today. The 4-year scholarship provides $2,000 per year plus access to mentorship from some of the physicians, academics, and advocates with CDPG. The scholarship will be provided to a student of planning to attend a Canadian post-secondary institution in the fall of 2021. 

“Offering opportunities for youth is a necessity to building a safe and just society,” said Dr. Najma Ahmed, trauma surgeon and co-founder, CDPG. We are proud to be presenting this scholarship, as well as a renewed advocacy push for governments to address social determinants that put young people at greater risk of gun violence. 

The scholarship recipient may be someone who has been a victim of gun injury, or has had a family member injured or killed, or had a person close to them who was one of the many hundreds of Canadians who die by gun suicide each year. Details on the application process will be announced soon.

Concerned about the epidemic of gun violence in Canada and the added risks created by the COVID-19 pandemic, CDPG is holding its 2nd National Day of Action today. The centerpiece of the virtual event is a one-hour video featuring the latest Canadian and international research on gun violence prevention, powerful stories from survivors and families of victims along with health workers on the frontlines treating the injured, and inspiring calls to implement detailed policy proposals. 

“There is clear medical research linking the presence of guns to heightened threats of femicide, suicide, and other forms of violence,” said Dr. Julie Maggi, psychiatrist and co-Chair, CDPG. “Conversely, measures to restrict access to guns can save lives. Yet gun restrictions must be one part of a comprehensive, preventative public health approach based on evidence. The federal government needs to move forward with a handgun ban that is national, implement a meaningful red flag law, and invest in social determinants such as poverty reduction and anti-racism measures.”

More details on the video and where to watch is available on our website at www.doctorsforprotectionfromguns.ca. 

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For more information or to arrange an interview please contact:

Christopher Holcroft
Empower Consulting, for Canadian Doctors for Protection from Guns
416-996-0767/ christopherholcroft@hotmail.ca 


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October 14, 2020
Canadian Doctors for Protection from Guns to announce new initiative for youth affected by gun violence as part of 2nd National Day of (Virtual) Action October 20th
 
Former Governor General Adrienne Clarkson, Canadian Medical Association President Dr. Ann Collins, and Mom’s Demand Founder Shannon Watts among prominent participants


Toronto, October 14, 2020 – Concerned about the epidemic of gun violence in Canada and the added risks created by the COVID-19 pandemic, Canadian Doctors for Protection from Guns (CDPG) is planning a 2nd National Day of Action for October 20th, beginning at Noon, ET. The centerpiece of the virtual event will be a one-hour video featuring the latest Canadian and international research on gun violence prevention, powerful stories from survivors and families of victims along with health workers on the frontlines treating the injured, and inspiring calls to implement detailed policy proposals. 

“This is going to be an unprecedented contribution to the discourse on gun violence prevention in Canada,” said Dr. Najma Ahmed, trauma surgeon and co-founder, CDPG. “While we have made significant policy advances since our last Day of Action – including the passage of Bill C-71 and the banning of more than 1,500 assault weapons – much more can and must be done to reduce preventable injury and death from guns.”

Reducing the proliferation of guns is a particularly urgent issue right now. Women’s groups, mental health experts, and anti-hate advocates have warned about the risks of isolation and economic uncertainty created by the pandemic and some of those warnings are being realized. With Canada ranking an unacceptable fifth among 23 peer countries in firearm mortality rates and that firearm suicides (which account for 75% of gun deaths) receive insufficient public attention, the Day of Action offers an opportunity to renew and refocus attention on gun violence.  

“There is clear medical research linking the presence of guns to heightened threats of femicide, suicide, and other forms of violence,” said Dr. Julie Maggi, psychiatrist and co-Chair, CDPG. “Conversely, measures to restrict access to guns can save lives. Yet gun restrictions must be one part of a comprehensive, preventative public health approach based on evidence. The federal government needs to move forward with a handgun ban that is national, implement a meaningful red flag law, and invest in social determinants such as poverty reduction and anti-racism measures.”

As part of the Day of Action, CDPG will be announcing an exciting new initiative for young people who have been affected by gun violence. Offering opportunities for youth is a necessity to building a safe and just society. In our video release, we will reveal a new, tangible step we are undertaking in support of this effort.

“Too many young people have been left devastated by guns and Canada has a responsibility to support them and prevent further harm,” said Dr. Philip Berger, Associate Professor at the University of Toronto and senior advisor, CDPG.  “While gun lobbyists have been spending their time attacking victims and their doctors, many CDPG members are devoting much of their professional lives to fighting injustice and now, battling COVID.”

Doctors, other health professionals, and medical students will be supporting the Day of Action with a national advocacy outreach campaign. Canadians will be invited to participate during the video.  The impressive list of participants in the Day of Action includes: 

• President of the Canadian Medical Association, Dr. Ann Collins
• President of the Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions, Ms. Linda Silas
• Former Chief Surgeon, Montreal General Hospital and current Montreal Canadians Head Team Physician, Dr. David Mulder
• Past-President of the Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians, Dr. Alan Drummond
• Former CEO of the College and Physicians and Surgeons of Saskatchewan, Dr. Dennis Kendel
• Former Head of the Department of Surgery for the University of Calgary, Dr. John Kortbeek
• Spokesperson of PolySeSouvient, Ms. Nathalie Provost
• Founder of Mom’s Demand Action, Ms. Shannon Watts
• Former Governor General, Madame Adrienne Clarkson
• Chair of the Canadian Anti-Hate Network, Mr. Bernie Farber
​• 
Co-founder of Regent Park Mothers for Peace, Ms. Sureya Ibrahim
• Former RCMP officer and mother of victim of gun violence, Ms. Alison Irons
• Writer and philosopher, Mr. John Ralston Saul



More details on the video and where to watch will be available on our website at www.doctorsforprotectionfromguns.ca. 

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For more information or to arrange an interview please contact:

Christopher Holcroft
Empower Consulting, for Canadian Doctors for Protection from Guns
416-996-0767/ christopherholcroft@hotmail.ca 



May 1, 2020
Canadian Doctors for Protection from Guns Statement on Federal Assault Weapons Ban:
A Good Day for Public Health, A Hopeful Day for Canada
 
Canadian Doctors for Protection from Guns (CDPG) is very pleased with the federal Liberal government’s decision to ban a large number of military-style assault weapons; policy that is supported by substantial scientific evidence from around the world. After many difficult weeks of living with the COVID-19 pandemic, and following the devastating mass shooting in Nova Scotia, today is a good day for public health and a hopeful day for Canada. 
 
By banning the sale of guns previously used in mass shootings in Canada and commonly used in such events in the United States, the government is joining the ranks of countries that have responded with more than just thoughts and prayers after horrific tragedies, including New Zealand last year and Australia in 1996. In fact, in the 18 years before Australia enacted its 1997 assault weapons ban, there were 13 mass shootings resulting in 104 deaths and 52 injuries. From 1997 until June 2019 there were no mass fatal shootings. Even the United States, which had a similar ban in place from 1994-2004, witnessed a 25% reduction in mass shootings and 40% fewer fatalities.
 
Reducing the proliferation of guns is a particularly urgent issue right now, in a pandemic, and the government was prudent to act. Women’s groups, mental health experts, and anti-hate advocates have warned about the risks of isolation and economic uncertainty. There is clear medical research linking the presence of guns to heightened threats of femicide, suicide, and other forms of violence. Conversely, measures to restrict access to guns, including assault weapons, can save lives. A study on the impacts of reducing the availability of such firearms to Swiss Army members while at home revealed a decrease in the number of suicides.
 
Our organization sincerely thanks Public Safety Minister Bill Blair and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for following through on their promise to health workers and the Canadian public last fall. This decision is consistent with Canada’s commitment to evidence-based decision making and values of peace and community well-being. We also thank the 15 medical associations and two national women’s organizations who support our advocacy, and the many members of the public who have reached out to help. Finally, we particularly acknowledge the courage and conviction of survivors who have advocated for banning assault weapons. some for more than 30 years. We are grateful.
 
Today’s announcement begins a new era for public safety and gun control, yet more work has to be done to catch up to many of our peer nations in preventing firearm related injury and death. Canada ranks an unacceptable fifth among 23 peer countries in firearm mortality rate. In the coming weeks and months, we will be vigorously pursuing additional measures including an effective assault weapons buy-back program, a ban on all semi-automatic weapons, including semiautomatic handguns; changing the process of how new guns coming to market are classified; an effective red flag law; a harm reduction approach to the advertisement and sale of guns; measures to prevent the smuggling of firearms from other countries; and investments to address social determinants of gun violence including poverty and mental health.
 
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For more information or to arrange an interview please contact:
 
Christopher Holcroft
Empower Consulting, for Canadian Doctors for Protection from Guns
416-996-0767/ christopherholcroft@hotmail.ca



About Canadian Doctors for Protection from Guns Canadian Doctors for Protection from Guns (CDPG) is a non-profit organization concerned about the increasing public health impact of firearms. We represent physicians working in collaboration with nurses, paramedics, rehabilitation specialists, psychologists, researchers and other frontline health care professionals. We have all witnessed first-hand the emotional and physical trauma and devastation caused by guns. CDPG calls for a comprehensive public policy response to this crisis in our communities, including preventative tools to reduce gun use and their consequences on youth violence, domestic abuse, and suicide. 

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For more information or to arrange an interview please contact: Christopher Holcroft Empower Consulting, for Canadian Doctors for Protection from Guns 416-996-0767 /christopherholcroft@hotmail.ca






Canadian Doctors for Protection from Guns (CDPG) is a grassroots organization concerned about the increasing public health impact of firearms. We represent physicians working in collaboration with nurses, paramedics, rehabilitation specialists, psychologists, researchers and other front-line health care professionals.  We have all witnessed first-hand the emotional and physical trauma and devastation caused by guns.  CDPG calls for a comprehensive public policy response to this crisis in our communities, including preventative tools to reduce gun use and their consequences on youth violence, domestic abuse, and suicide.  Specifically, we call for the following short-term actions:

 - A ban on handguns and assault weapons
- Passage of Bill C-71, An Act to amend certain Acts and Regulations in relation to firearms  

Through education and advocacy, CDPG looks forward to working with all Canadians to enact change. We invite you to join us.​


Senior Team
 
Dr. Najma Ahmed – Trauma Surgery – Toronto
Dr. Suzanne Beno - Pediatric and Emergency Medicine - Toronto

Dr, Philip Berger – Family and Community Medicine – Toronto
Dr. Andrew Beckett – Trauma Surgery – Toronto
Dr. James Byrne - Trauma Surgery Fellow - Toronto
Dr. Kevin Chan - Pediatric Medicine - Toronto
Dr. Anna Dare - Global Surgery Fellow - Toronto

Dr. Alan Drummond – Emergency Medicine – Perth, Ontario
Dr. Chris Evans - Emergency Medicine - Kingston

Dr. Paola Fata - General Surgery - Montreal
​Dr. David Gomez – Trauma Surgery – Toronto
Dr. Josh Ng-Kamstra - General Surgery - Calgary
Dr. David Koff - Radiology - Hamilton

Dr.  John Kortbeek – Trauma Surgery – Calgary
Dr. Jacinthe Lampron – Trauma Surgery – Ottawa
Dr. Brett Mador - Trauma Surgery - Edmonton

Dr. Julie Maggi – Psychiatry – Toronto
Dr. Chethan Sathya - Pediatric Surgeon - New York
Dr. Derryck Smith - Psychiatry - Vancouver
Dr. Murray Trusler - Indigenous Health - Retired

Dr. Kirsten Weerdenburg - Pediatric Emergency Medicine - Halifax
Dr. Lynn Wilson – Family and Community Medicine – Toronto
 
Consultant
​Christopher Holcroft, Empower Consulting

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