Further Reading
Research, legislation, and further background information
FIREARM LEGISLATION & GENERAL REFERENCES
HOMICIDE & SUICIDE
VIOLENCE AND MENTAL HEALTH
LITERATURE REVIEW FOR FEMICIDE AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE RELATED TO GUNS
Press releases
For immediate release
Conservative Party plan to move backwards on gun control will endanger public health, Canadian Doctors for Protection from Guns warns
The three other major national parties all support new gun control measures with the Liberal Party offering most comprehensive approach
Toronto, October 17, 2019 – Canadian Doctors for Protection from Guns (CDPG) is warning that Andrew Scheer’s Conservative Party plan to move backwards on gun control will endanger public health. The organization is also concerned about the political company that Mr. Scheer keeps. Rod Giltaca, CEO of the Canadian Coalition for Firearm Rights (CCFR), acknowledged in a Reddit Ask Me Anything session on October 12th that the organization has “had great discussions” with the Conservative Party and “are in somewhat agreement with us that any regulation that doesn't have a demonstrable effect on public safety should be looked at very seriously”. The CCFR calls for open and concealed carry of firearms in public, stand your ground laws, and eliminating prohibition of guns. Like the CCFR, the Conservative Party is refusing to place new restrictions on access to guns and is promising to repeal Bill C-71, legislation that improves background checks, among other modest changes.
In September, CDPG sent a questionnaire to all major national party leaders. Our organization welcomed the thoughtful answers to our questions from the Liberal, New Democratic, and Green parties. The Conservative Party did not respond. Included among the questions was whether the proliferation of assault weapons and handguns should be considered a public health threat; if Canada should take a harm reduction approach to guns; and if leaders would denounce the repeated personal attacks on our members by the CCFR. On these points, all parties who responded agreed.
We are pleased with the Liberal Party’s commitment to a national assault weapons ban, and an overall gun control plan that is progressive, specific, and actionable. Further highlights from the Liberal, NDP, and Green Party responses to our questionnaire can be read at www.doctorsforprotectionfromguns.ca.
Members of CDPG see the increasing devastation caused by guns on our patients; our communities suffer the impacts for years; and our public health care system bears the weight of preventable harm. Since launching its campaign to bring a public health focus to gun control policy, CDPG has collected a wide body of evidence supporting its position that restricting access to guns reduces gun injury and death, and that jurisdictions with stronger gun laws, including specific gun bans, have fewer gun homicides, suicides, and accidental shootings. Our organization’s call for a substantive public policy response to address this issue has been endorsed by 13 prominent medical associations as well as the National Council of Women of Canada. We stand with the large majority of Canadians calling for more action on gun control, now.
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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 visit www.canadiandoctorsforprotectionfromguns.ca.
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
The following are highlights from the Liberal, NDP, and Green Party responses to our questionnaire:
Liberal Party
Ban assault weapons and attachments which increase lethality; launch buyback program
Give cities the power to ban handguns
Change “the way firearms are advertised, marketed, and sold in Canada”
Red flag law
Support for youth at risk and a poverty reduction strategy
Add mental health services to Canada Health Act
Flag bulk purchases of guns
Strengthen safe storage laws
Ensure police resources and strengthen penalties for gun smuggling
Require everyone importing ammunition to show proof of a valid firearms license
New Democratic Party
The “removal of assault military weapons from our cities”
Support allowing cities to ban handguns
Support a harm reduction approach to guns
Policies to address poverty, racism, and other social determinants of violence
More focused resources to prevent the illegal smuggling of guns
Green Party
New measures to reduce gun smuggling
Launch a confidential buyback program for handguns and assault weapons
Review options for secure central storage
Review the banning of instruments or attachments which increase the lethality of weapons
Support a harm reduction policy improve access to affordable housing, implement a guaranteed liveable income,
create a universal childcare program
For immediate release
Former Governor General Adrienne Clarkson, novelist Margaret Atwood, among prominent Canadian writers calling on party leaders to endorse a ban on assault weapons and handguns
Signatories to letter support campaign of Canadian Doctors for Protection from Guns and denounce gun lobby rhetoric
Toronto, October 9, 2019 – Canadian authors Margaret Atwood, Charlotte Gray, Michael Ondaatje, and Dr. Vincent Lam, as well as former Governor General Adrienne Clarkson are among the signatories of an open letter to party leaders being released today backing Canadian Doctors for Protection from Guns’ campaign for a ban on assault weapons and handguns. With the federal election less than two weeks away, the intervention of nearly 20 prominent writers adds to a growing public demand for Canada’s next government to stand up to the gun lobby and implement significant new gun control measures.
From the letter, the full text of which can be found below:
“When it comes to creating public policy on guns, governments must weigh private privilege and industry profit against the far greater importance of public health and community well-being....Canadian Doctors for Protection from Guns is calling for a ban on assault weapons and handguns as part of a comprehensive legal and social policy approach to addressing the public health impacts of guns. The signatories of this letter support their call to action. We ask you to join us and commit to moving quickly on the doctors’ recommendations, including the ban.”
Members of Canadian Doctors for Protection from Guns see the increasing devastation caused by guns on our patients; our communities suffer the impacts for years; and our public health care system bears the weight of preventable harm. The organization has called for a comprehensive public policy response, including addressing social determinants, reducing the illegal sale of guns and the importation of firearms from other jurisdictions, and measures to restrict access to guns.
A wide body of evidence supports the position of Canadian Doctors for Protection from Guns, as demonstrated by a thorough reference list with more than 150 citations of international scientific literature, peer-reviewed research papers, and publications from leading medical journals, available on our website.
“The evidence is incontrovertible: restricting access to guns will make our communities safer,” said Dr, Najma Ahmed, trauma surgeon and co-founder of Canadian Doctors for Protection from Guns. “We are thrilled to have the support of so many acclaimed Canadian writers in our campaign for stronger gun control policy.”
The letter comes one week after the launch of a national, pro bono advertising campaign to warn Canadians that the proliferation of assault weapons and handguns represents a public health threat – www.notbulletproof.ca/ www.paspareballes.ca. Over the past 15 years the number of such weapons in Canada has grown dramatically and it Is now time for political leaders to act.
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 visit www.canadiandoctorsforprotectionfromguns.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
The Canadian Way – Saying yes to Doctors’ call for a ban on assault weapons and handguns
Dear Justin Trudeau, Andrew Scheer, Jagmeet Singh, Elizabeth May, Yves-François Blanchet:
Canada is a country of reason and civility, peace and the common good.
When it comes to creating public policy on guns, governments must weigh private privilege and industry profit against the far greater importance of public health and community well-being.
Physicians with Canadian Doctors for Protection from Guns have witnessed firsthand the devastating physical and emotional trauma wrought by guns, from gender-based violence to suicide, homicide to accidental shootings of children. One of its founders, trauma surgeon Dr. Najma Ahmed, was on call the night of the mass shooting in the Danforth neighbourhood of Toronto.
The physicians point to a wide body of international research that makes three things very clear. 1. Death and injury by guns is a preventable public health issue. 2. Countries and jurisdictions with stronger gun laws have less gun injury and death. 3. Canada does not fare well compared to our peer nations of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development on proliferation of guns and firearm mortality.
Canadian Doctors for Protection from Guns is calling for a ban on assault weapons and handguns as part of a comprehensive legal and social policy approach to addressing the public health impacts of guns. The signatories of this letter support their call to action. We ask you to join us and commit to moving quickly on the doctors’ recommendations, including the ban.
Since launching their campaign, Canadian Doctors for Protection from Guns has been endorsed by more than a dozen prominent medical associations and women’s organizations and supported by doctors, nurses, paramedics, and other health professionals from across the country.
Yet the campaign has also drawn the vitriolic ire of Canadian gun lobby groups who have engaged in online campaigns of harassment, launched frivolous complaints to the country’s largest professional regulatory college, and released a disturbing video warning that doctors will “own” responsibility for children being shot and killed if a handgun and assault weapons ban is implemented. On April 12th, the CEO of one of the groups compared a gun control advocate working with the doctors to lead Nazi propogandist Joseph Goebbels.
This is the discourse and tactics of the National Rifle Association in the United States. We have seen where that path can lead. Our history, culture, and politics are very different in Canada, yet we cannot be complacent. Our leaders must clearly state the gun lobby approach is not welcome here.
We need a made in Canada solution to gun policy. The security and well-being of our families and communities depend on it. Support a ban on handguns and assault weapons.
Sincerely,
Signatures
Angie Abdou
Margaret Atwood
Dennis Bock
Cathy Buchanan
Adrienne Clarkson
Andrew Davidson
Graeme Gibson
Don Gillmor
Charlotte Gray
Rawi Hage
Elizabeth Hay
Vincent Lam
Linden McIntyre
Michael Ondaatje
Michael Redhill
Linda Spalding.
Madeleine Thien
Alissa York
For immediate release
Canadian Doctors for Protection from Guns launches #NotBulletproof campaign to alert Canadians to harm posed by proliferation of semi-automatic weapons
Group also releases extensive new reference list backing call for stronger gun laws
Toronto, October 2, 2019 – Canadian Doctors for Protection from Guns is launching a new national advertising campaign to warn Canadians that the proliferation of semi-automatic guns in this country represents a public health threat – www.notbulletproof.ca/ www.paspareballes.ca. Over the past 15 years the number of semi-automatic weapons in Canada has grown dramatically and it Is now time for political leaders to act.
“The evidence is incontrovertible: restricting access to guns, including semi-automatic weapons, will make our communities safer,” said Dr, Najma Ahmed, trauma surgeon and co-founder of Canadian Doctors for Protection from Guns. “One need only look to the United States to see the drastic consequences of failing to keep these weapons out of our communities.”
Members of Canadian Doctors for Protection from Guns see the increasing devastation caused by guns on our patients; our communities suffer the impacts for years; and our public health care system bears the weight of preventable harm. The organization has called for a comprehensive public policy response, including addressing social determinants, reducing the illegal sale of guns and the importation of firearms from other jurisdictions, and measures to restrict access to guns.
A wide body of evidence supports the position of Canadian Doctors for Protection from Guns, as demonstrated by the thorough reference list being released today, with more than 150 citations of international scientific literature, peer-reviewed research papers, and publications from leading medical journals.
Canadians Doctors for Protection from Guns is assisted in this campaign by national advertising firm Anderson DDB Health and Lifestyle, which graciously produced the advertising creative pro bono as part of its commitment to community well-being.
“We are pleased to be able to support Canadians Doctors for Protection from Guns in their important work to keep our communities safe,” said Anderson DDB Health & Lifestyle President and CEO Kevin Brady. “The team at Anderson DDB Health & Lifestyle was energized by this work and we believe this creative campaign is impactful and will wake Canadians up to the threat posed by semi-automatic weapons.”
The campaign will begin rolling out digitally today and in print and broadcast over the next week. The campaign is timed to engage Canadians as they consider gun control during the current federal election.
“With the concerning rise of hate groups in Canada coupled with the gun lobby’s inflammatory rhetoric it would seem that reducing access to semi-automatic weapons will undoubtedly lessen the tragic consequences of violent acts,” said Dr. Alan Drummond, Rural Emergency Physician and Executive Member of Canadian Doctors for Protection from Guns.
Canadian Doctors for Protection from Guns has written all political parties asking for their positions on various elements of laws and policies to keep Canadians safe from guns, including whether they support a ban on handguns and assault weapons, or semi-automatic weapons. The #NotBulletproof campaign invites Canadians to contact their local political candidates to encourage the same. With more than 80% of Canadians wanting stronger gun control laws, now is the time move forward.
“For too long Canadians have had to listen to the misleading, vituperative rhetoric of the gun industry lobby,” said Dr. Philip Berger, Associate Professor, Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto and Senior Advisor to Canadian Doctors for Protection from Guns. “It is time Canadians hear the truth. More guns equals more injury and death. It is time for our political leaders to act with courage and ban civilian ownership of semi-automatic weapons in Canada.”
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 visit www.canadiandoctorsforprotectionfromguns.ca
About Anderson DDB Health & Lifestyle
We are North America’s leading health and lifestyle agency with award-winning work that spans the globe. For over 40 years, we’ve worked with consumer and healthcare companies to develop smart, insightful, influential campaigns that make a difference in the lives of consumers. With roots in consumer marketing, we bring that same methodology and understanding to all our communications.
Our goal is to turn our clients' passions and objectives into meaningful work that impacts patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals everywhere. Anderson DDB Health & Lifestyle has a long-standing tradition of donating marketing services to wide variety of causes that resonate with agency staff.
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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
For immediate release
Toronto, ON, September 20, 2019
Canadian Doctors for Protection from Guns welcomes Liberal Party proposal to ban assault weapons and restrict access to guns
Group calls on all political parties to endorse stronger gun laws and denounce NRA-style rhetoric and tactics of the gun lobby
Canadian Doctors for Protection from Guns welcomes the Liberal Party’s campaign platform announcement today, particularly the proposal to ban assault weapons. The evidence clearly shows restricting access to guns, and assault weapons in particular, reduces injury and death by firearm.
Members of Canadian Doctors for Protection from Guns see the devastation caused by guns on our patients, our communities suffer the impacts for years, and our public health care system bears the weight of preventable harm. With more than 80% of Canadians wanting stronger gun laws to restrict access to guns, now is the time move forward.
Our organization is also in support of measures to flag owners of firearms who may be deemed a risk to themselves or their families. Approximately 80% of gun deaths are suicides and firearms are the most common method used in the killing of women and girls according to the Canadian Femicide Observatory.
The proposal to restrict access to handguns may have good intentions but is not the most effective measure available. As we have seen from the US, regionalized gun laws are insufficient in protecting people from injury and death. We strongly encourage a national ban on handguns.
New rules on the storage of firearms and the purchase of ammunition are also welcomed.
Earlier this week, Canadian Doctors for Protection from Guns wrote all political parties asking for their positions on various elements of laws and policies to keep Canadians safe from guns. We have also specifically requested parties denounce the rhetoric and tactics of the Canadian Coalition for Firearm Rights that is so harmful to having a respectful, evidence-based discussion on gun control. In addition to the mass filing of vexatious complaints to the professional college of Dr. Najma Ahmed, ultimately dismissed for appearing to be an abuse of process, the group has claimed the following:
- the CDPG advocacy campaign could result in children being shot and killed by police officers, and doctors would “own” responsibility for it - https://tinyurl.com/y2wkgext
- doctors involved in the campaign are "stepping on the throats" of people who own guns and trying to "discriminate" and "hurt" gun owners after hours - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qRV1U83em30&feature=youtu.be.
- “doctors will lie to you as easily as they breathe...we are going after them next" referring to medical associations endorsing CDPG - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vlc_guXfJCU
- a consultant to CDPG is “as bad a person” as lead Nazi propogandist Joseph Goebbels - https://twitter.com/KeegParty/status/1117683971473563648
Canadian political leaders must distance themselves from this NRA-style rhetoric and tactics. In the interim, Canadian Doctors for Protection from Guns will continue to advocate for further restrictions on access to guns in our society to make our homes and communities safer.
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 visit www.canadiandoctorsforprotectionfromguns.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
For immediate release
Toronto, ON, September 4 2019
Canadian Doctors for Protection from Guns calls on Canadian Pension Plan Investment Board to divest from American handgun and assault weapons manufacturers
In response to news that an upcoming report from Corporate Knights will reveal the Canadian Pension Plan includes holdings in American handgun and assault weapon manufacturers, Canadian Doctors for Protection from Guns is calling on the Canadian Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB) to end these relationships. As the CPPIB regards "responsible investing simply as intelligent long-term investing" it must take immediate steps to divest from the big gun industry. An industry that profits from injury and death and fear and weak gun laws do not meet the definition of responsible investing.
Our members see the devastation caused by guns on our patients, our communities suffer the impacts for years, and our public health care system bears the weight of preventable harm. With more than 80% of Canadians wanting stronger gun laws to restrict access to guns, our public pension plan should not be operating counter to this interest. We would be pleased to meet with the CPPIB Board to discuss the public health impacts of guns.
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.
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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
For immediate release
Following another chaotic shooting incident in Canada, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau needs to act now on guns
Toronto, ON, June 19, 2019 – Canadian Doctors for Protection from Guns is calling on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to take decisive action to protect the health and well-being of Canadians following a chaotic shooting incident in Toronto that for many, marred a tremendous public celebration of the Toronto Raptors championship basketball team. Doctors and other health care workers at the downtown Toronto hospital nearest the shooting treated not only the direct victims of gunfire, but injured children, pregnant women in distress, and those suffering from emotional shock.
“Monday’s near mass tragedy is a direct result of the proliferation of guns in our society,” said Dr. Najma Ahmed, co-Chair of Canadian Doctors for Protection from Guns and a trauma surgeon at St, Michael’s Hospital. “The Prime Minister needs to act now on handguns and assault weapons before another event happens.”
The Canadian experience tells us shooting events such as the one that occurred Monday in Toronto are not limited to big cities. Moncton, La Loche, Fredericton, and Quebec City have all been sites of mass shootings. We also know the type of guns used vary – and they can be legally obtained or illegally obtained. The perpetrators and motivations change. The common denominator is always the gun.
The proliferation of guns represents a growing public health threat. Statistics Canada reports that firearm-related violent crime has increased 42% since 2013. Canada has the 5th highest rate of age adjusted, standardized firearm mortality among 23 peer countries of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (Journal of the American Medical Association, 2018). Women and girls are particularly vulnerable. Shooting was the most common method of their killing in 2018 at 34% according to the Canadian Femicide Observatory for Justice and Accountability.
“Guns inflict psychological trauma and an emotional toll that lasts well after physical wounds have healed and impacts communities of people beyond direct victims,” said Dr. Julie Maggi, Executive member of Canadian Doctors for Protection from Guns and a Psychiatrist at St. Michael’s Hospital. “Comprehensive action on guns must be a public health priority.”
Missing in calls to restrict gun bans to cities is the reality that gun violence, per capita, is higher in rural Canada than urban. Further, 75% of gun deaths are suicides – a crisis that knows no municipal boundaries. Nor can femicide or accidental shootings be considered distinct geographic phenomena.
Polls consistently show tremendous public support from all parts of the country for a ban on handguns and assault weapons. Such measures are also strongly supported by medical research which consistently shows a clear correlation between restrictions on access to guns and improved public health and safety.
“Election promises are nice, but Canadians need action now,” said Dr. Philip Berger, senior adviser to Canadian Doctors for Protection from Guns and Associate Professor, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto. “While the gun industry lobby continues to spread false information in its hurry to sell more guns, the public health of Canadians remains at risk. The Prime Minister witnessed first-hand the impact of guns on the public. He cannot maintain his government’s inadequate compromise on effective gun control legislation.”
More than 1,000 health professionals and medical students in 16 cities participated in a National Day of Action on April 3rd in support of Bill C-71 and a ban on assault weapons and handguns. In April, the Canadian Medical Association Journal endorsed advocating for a public health approach to guns. The medical community is broadly united on this issue and Canadian Doctors for Protection from Guns intends to ensure gun control is an issue in the upcoming federal election through a variety of campaign interventions.
“Stronger gun laws hurt no one, and they will save countless lives,” said Dr. Ahmed. “Those who wish to lead must put public health and well-being first.”
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.
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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 28, 2019 - Statement by Canadian Doctors for Protection from Guns
A good day for public health and safety as the Senate passes Bill C-71
Canadian Doctors for Protection from Guns welcomes the passing of Bill C-71 by Senators this evening. This is legislation that will make our families and our communities safer. Bill C-71, An Act to amend certain Acts and Regulations in relation to firearms, is supported by clear and compelling evidence linking restrictions on access to guns with improved public health outcomes.
We wish to thank the Bill’s sponsor in the Senate, Senator Andre Pratte, and Ministers Ralph Goodale and Bill Blair for their advocacy for this legislation. There is widespread support for Bill C-71 within the medical community. A dozen prominent medical associations have endorsed our call for stronger gun laws. More than 1,000 health professionals and medical students in 16 cities participated in a National Day of Action on April 3rd in support of Bill C-71 and a ban on assault weapons and handguns. The Bill is also supported by a large majority of Canadians according to a Leger opinion poll from April 26th.
We recognize it takes political courage to overcome the kind of misinformation and harmful rhetoric being spread by those who purport to speak on behalf of Canadian hunters and gun owners. We thank the Senators, and previously, Members of Parliament, who supported this Bill for their commitment to reason and the public good.
The key components of Bill C-71 = better record keeping requirements for gun retailers, stronger background checks, and tighter regulations around transporting a gun – are modest but important changes that will lessen the risk of preventable gun injury and death and make Canadians safer.
The proliferation of guns represents a growing public health threat. Statistics Canada reports that firearm-related violent crime has increased 42% since 2013. Canada has the 5th highest rate of age adjusted, standardized firearm mortality among 23 peer countries of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (Journal of the American Medical Association, 2018). Women and girls are particularly vulnerable. Shooting was the most common method of their killing in 2018 at 34% according to the Canadian Femicide Observatory for Justice and Accountability. A 2018 position statement by the Canadian Pediatric Society states that guns should not be kept in environments where children live or play. Suicide is preventable death; 75% of gun deaths are suicides and nearly 15% of adolescent suicides in Canada are by gun.
Today’s vote is a solid step in the right direction. Now we must continue to take measures – including a ban on handguns and assault weapons – that will strengthen public health and safety. There is no time to lose.
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.
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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
Media Advisory
Media Advisory
Attention: Assignment desks, health, and crime/ justice reporters
Doctors and health professionals in 13 cities across the country to join in a National Day of Action on April 3rd to call for stronger gun laws in Canada
As first-hand witnesses to the emotional and physical trauma and devastation caused by guns, doctors and other health professionals are coming together to call for a public health focus to the debate around guns and a comprehensive public policy response to this crisis in our communities. Canadian Doctors for Protection from Guns is holding a national Day of Action on April 3rd in 13 cities across the country, from coast to coast, in large centres and smaller communities, call for stronger gun laws. Specifically, the grassroots group, comprised of trauma surgeons, emergency room physicians, paediatricians, psychologists and nurses, paramedics and other health professionals is urging the federal government to pass Bill C-71, An Act to amend certain Acts and Regulations in relation to firearms, and to implement a handgun and assault weapons ban.
Guns represent a growing public health threat. Statistics Canada reports that firearm-related violent crime has increased 42% since 2013, and Canada has the 5th highest rate of firearm mortality among 23 countries of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (Annals of Surgery, 2018). Women and girls are particularly vulnerable. Shooting was the most common method of their killing in 2018 at 34% according to the Canadian Femicide Observatory for Justice and Accountability. There is an increased risk of suicide when guns are accessible as noted in a 2018 statement by the Canadian Pediatric Society.
Canadian Doctors for Protection from Guns has concluded that we must treat gun related injury and death the way we treat other public health issues, such as smoking and road safety. The group looks forward to working with governments, health and legal stakeholders, and all concerned Canadians to respond to this urgent public health crisis.
National Day of Action Events – April 3rd
Toronto: Noon. Rally. United Church Grounds. Queen St. East and Bond St.
Montréal: 11 am. Montréal General Hospital. Livingston Hall 6th Floor; 12:30 March to McGill University Medical School.
Calgary: Noon. Rally. 29th St. and 16th Ave. NW.
Edmonton: Noon. Northeast Corner of Garneau Park, 109th St. and 84th Ave.
Vancouver: Noon. March. St. Paul's Hospital. 1081 Burrard St.
Ottawa: Noon. Rally. Wellington Street in front of Parliament; Press Conference 1:30, 135-B Press Conference Room
Kingston: Noon. information session and march. Queen’s Medical School, 15 Arch St.
Barrie/Midhurst: 3 pm. Discussion forum. Midhurst United Church, 90 Doran Rd.
Halifax: 11 am. Information Session. IWK Health Centre. Noon. Letter mailing to the Prime Minister.
St. John's: Noon. Rally. Clock Tower, Student Centre, Memorial University.
London: Letter mailing to the Prime Minister. London Health Science Centre to Canada Post, A-387 Wellington Rd.
Ajax: Noon. Letter writing campaign to the Prime Minister.
Winnipeg: Noon. Letter writing campaign to the Prime Minister.
More to come.
Further information is available at: www.doctorsforprotectionfromguns.ca.
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For more information or to arrange an interview please contact:
Christopher Holcroft
Consultant for Canadian Doctors for Protection from Guns
416-996-0767/ christopherholcroft@hotmail.ca
For immediate release – Toronto, March 22nd, 2019
Canadian Doctors for Protection from Guns calls for urgent action by Prime Minister Trudeau to ban assault weapons
With the world galvanized by the swift and courageous decision by New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern to ban assault weapons in response to the horrific mass shooting at Christchurch mosque, Canadian Doctors for Protection from Guns (CDPG) is calling on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to seize the moment and implement a similar ban here.
Last week’s shooting left 50 people dead and many more people remain in hospital in serious condition. The assault weapon used in the attack in New Zealand is similar to the one used in the mass shooting at the Islamic Cultural Centre in Quebec City two years ago. These types of guns can, and do, cause maximum death and horrible injury to many, many people within minutes. They are a threat to the health and well-being of our communities. Yet tragedies created from assault weapons and other guns are preventable with strict legislation.
Canadian Doctors for Protection from Guns was founded by physicians with firsthand experience treating the victims of gun trauma. We applaud the New Zealand government’s announcement yesterday declaring “all military style semi-automatics (MSSAs) and assault rifles” as well as “related parts used to convert these guns into MSSAs” will be banned, along with “all high-capacity magazines”.
These policy measures are further evidence the global discourse on guns is changing. Last month, the US House of Representatives passed its first major gun control measure in more than 20 years. In Canada. 81% of respondents to a 2018 Environics survey supported a ban on assault weapons. Nine leading Canadian medical organizations have endorsed the CDPG position statement which includes a call for more restrictions on guns.
In spite of the evidence, tragic examples, and public support, the gun industry lobby continues to push for weaker, not stronger gun laws. While Minister of Border Security and Organized Crime Reduction Bill Blair is expected to table his recommendations to the Prime Minister soon, there is a renewed urgency in implementing a ban on assault weapons.
Canada can demonstrate solidarity with the people of New Zealand while reminding the world we are a country that puts public safety over private interest. Prime Minister Trudeau should seize this moment.
Canadian Doctors for Protection from Guns will be bringing its call for a ban on assault weapons to the streets as part of a planned National Day of Action on April 3rd. Physicians in at least a dozen cities from coast to coast are organizing rallies, marches, and information sessions to call for change. Details on local events will be announced in the coming days.
About us
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. Please visit www.doctorsforprotectionfromguns.ca for more information.
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For more information or to arrange an interview please contact:
Christopher Holcroft
Principal, Empower Consulting
416-996-0767
christopherholcroft@hotmail.ca
Concerned with growing public health crisis of guns, doctors launch new campaign to fight for stronger laws
Canadian Doctors for Protection from Guns to hold a National Day of Action on April 3rd
Toronto, February 11th, 2019 – Frequently confronted with the devastation wrought by guns on their patients and communities, doctors from across the country are launching a new organization today to advocate for a comprehensive public policy response. Canadian Doctors for the Protection from Guns (CDPG) is specifically calling for swift passage of Bill C-71, An Act to amend certain Acts and Regulations in relation to firearms, and a ban on handguns and assault weapons.
"It is time to reframe the debate about guns in Canada and look at firearm related injuries and deaths through a public health lens,” said Dr. Najma Ahmed, Co-Chair of Canadian Doctors for Protection from Guns and a trauma surgeon at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto. “Death and injury by firearms are preventable tragedies. We are calling on policy makers to demonstrate courage and take decisive action to protect the safety of Canadians.”
Canadian Doctors for Protection from Guns is a grassroots group composed of family doctors, emergency room physicians, trauma surgeons, and psychiatrists collaborating with nurses, paramedics, rehabilitation specialists, counsellors and many other front-line health care professionals. Its position statement has already been endorsed by seven leading Canadian medical societies and the group has been invited to appear before the Senate’s Standing Committee on National Security and Defence studying Bill C-71 on February 18th at 7:00 pm. On April 3rd, CDPG will hold a National Day of Action in cities, towns, and communities across the country to call for stronger gun control laws
“The impact of guns is not limited to the kinds of violent incidents we learn about in the news,” said Dr. Lynn Wilson, Co-Chair of Canadian Doctors for Protection from Guns as well as a family physician and Vice Dean at the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Medicine. “Our professional experiences with victims of guns includes operating on children dying from accidental gunshots, holding the hands of domestic violence victims shot by their abusers, and counseling the families of people who have taken their own lives by gun.”
Guns represent a growing public health threat. Statistics Canada reports that firearm-related violent crime has increased 42% since 2013, and Canada has the 5th highest rate of firearm mortality among 23 countries of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (Annals of Surgery, 2018). Women and girls are particularly vulnerable. Shooting was the most common method of their killing in 2018 at 34% according to the Canadian Femicide Observatory for Justice and Accountability. There is an increased risk of suicide when guns are accessible as noted in a 2018 statement by the Canadian Pediatric Society.
Of course, numbers do not tell the full story.
“The physical and psychological scars on victims, families, and communities far outlast the initial gunshot,” said Jacinthe Lampron, trauma surgeon and Medical Trauma Director at the Ottawa Hospital. “Doctors and nurses treating preventable gun injuries diverts much needed public health resources from other emergency care services. Trauma from gun injuries also results in chronic illness, both physical and psychological.”
Canadian Doctors for Protection from Guns has concluded that we must treat gun related injury and death the way we treat other public health issues, such as smoking and road safety. The group looks forward to working with governments, health and legal stakeholders, and all concerned Canadians to respond to this urgent public health crisis.
“We know the pro-gun lobby is going to try and muddy the issue,” added Dr. Alan Drummond, a rural emergency physician in Perth, Ontario. “But our expertise – and our professional responsibility – is in the protection of public health. We are therefore compelled to act.”
The following physicians are available for interview:
Dr. Najma Ahmed, Co-Chair of Canadian Doctors for Protection from Guns, and trauma surgeon at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto
Dr. Philip Berger, Associate Professor, Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto
Dr. Jacinthe Lampron, trauma surgeon and Medical Trauma Director at the Ottawa Hospital
Dr. Alan Drummond, rural emergency physician in Perth, Ontario
Dr. Andrew Beckett, trauma surgeon at the Montreal General Hospital
Dr. Natasha Saunders, paediatrician and Clinician-Investigator, at The Hospital for Sick Children Toronto
Dr. Julie Maggi, Psychiatrist, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto
About us
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.
Please visit www,doctorsforprotectionfromguns.ca for more information.
For more information or to arrange an interview please contact:
Christopher Holcroft
Principal, Empower Consulting
416-996-0767
christopherholcroft@hotmail.ca
fédération des femmes médecins au canada
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HOMICIDE & SUICIDE
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VIOLENCE AND MENTAL HEALTH
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- Pinals DA, Appelbaum PS, Bonnie R, Fisher CE, Gold LH, Lee LW. (2015). American Psychiatric Association: position statement on firearm access, acts of violence and the relationship to mental illness and mental health services. Behavioral sciences & the law, 33(2-3), 195-198.
- Simonetti JA, Mackelprang JL, Rowhani-Rahbar A, Zatzick D, Rivara FP. (2015). Psychiatric comorbidity, suicidality, and in-home firearm access among a nationally representative sample of adolescents. JAMA psychiatry, 72(2), 152-159.
- Shultz JM, Thoresen S, Flynn BW, Muschert GW, Shaw JA, Espinel Z, ... Cohen AM. (2014). Multiple vantage points on the mental health effects of mass shootings. Current psychiatry reports, 16(9), 469.
- Mozaffarian D, Hemenway D, Ludwig DS. (2013). Curbing gun violence: lessons from public health successes. JAMA, 309(6), 551-552.
- Bauchner H, Rivara R, Bonow R. Death by Gun Violence – A Public Health Crisis, JAMA 2019
- Naghavi M and the Global Burden of Disease 2016 Injury Collaboration, Global Mortality from Firearms JAMA Surgery 2018 https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/89-28-0001/2018001/article/00004-eng.htm
- Policy Statement of the American Academy of Pediatrics, Firearm-Related Injuries affecting the Pediatric Population, Pediatrics 2012
- Yanchar N, Beno S; the Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians and the Trauma Association of Canada, Annals of Surgery, 2018
- Saunders N, Lee H, Macpherson A, Gauan J, Guttmann A, Risk of Firearm injuries among Children and youth of immigrant families, CMAJ, 2017
- Cunningham B, Walton M, Carter P, The Major Causes of Death in Children and Adolescent in the United States, NEJM 2018
- Sarani B, Hendrix C, Matecki M, Estroff J, Amdur R, Robinson RH, Shapiro G, Gondek S, Mitchell R, Smith R. Wounding Patterns Based upon Firearm type in Civilian Public Mass Shootings in the US. JACS 2019
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- Hemenway D. Commentary: Easy home gun access and adolescent depression. Social science & medicine (1982). 2018;203:60-3.
- Castillo-Carniglia A, Kagawa RMC, Cerda M, Crifasi CK, Vernick JS, Webster DW, et al. California's comprehensive background check and misdemeanor violence prohibition policies and firearm mortality. Annals of epidemiology. 2019;30:50-6.
- Canada S. Family violence in Canada: A statistical profile, 2017. Statistics Canada; 2018 December 5, 2018.
- Fowler KA, Jack SPD, Lyons BH, Betz CJ, Petrosky E. Surveillance for Violent Deaths -National Violent Death Reporting System, 18 States, 2014. Morbidity and mortality weekly report Surveillance summaries (Washington, DC : 2002). 2018;67(2):1-36.
LITERATURE REVIEW FOR FEMICIDE AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE RELATED TO GUNS
- Zeoli AM, McCourt A, Buggs S, Frattaroli S, Lilley D, Webster DW. Analysis of the Strength of Legal Firearms Restrictions for Perpetrators of Domestic Violence and Their Associations With Intimate Partner Homicide. Am J Epidemiol. 2018 Jul 1;187(7):1449-1455. doi: 10.1093/aje/kwx362.
- Díez C, Kurland RP, Rothman EF, Bair-Merritt M, Fleegler E, Xuan Z, Galea S, Ross CS, Kalesan B, Goss KA, Siegel M. Intimate Partner Violence-Related Firearm Laws and Intimate Partner Homicide Rates in the United States, 1991 to 2015. Ann Intern Med. 2017 Oct 17;167(8):536-543. doi: 10.7326/M16-2849. Epub 2017 Sep 19.
- Zeoli AM, Malinski R, Turchan B. Risks and Targeted Interventions: Firearms in Intimate Partner Violence. Epidemiol Rev. 2016;38(1):125-39. doi: 10.1093/epirev/mxv007. Epub 2016 Jan 5.
- Zeoli AM, McCourt A, Buggs S, Frattaroli S, Lilley D, Webster DW. Analysis of the Strength of Legal Firearms Restrictions for Perpetrators of Domestic Violence and Their Associations With Intimate Partner Homicide. Am J Epidemiol. 2018 Nov 1;187(11):2365-2371. doi: 10.1093/aje/kwy174.
- Lee LK, Fleegler EW, Farrell C, Avakame E, Srinivasan S, Hemenway D, Monuteaux MC. Firearm Laws and Firearm Homicides: A Systematic Review. JAMA Intern Med. 2017 Jan 1;177(1):106-119. doi: 10.1001/jamainternmed.2016.7051.
- Websdale N, Ferraro K, Barger SD. The domestic violence fatality review clearinghouse: introduction to a new National Data System with a focus on firearms. Inj Epidemiol. 2019 Feb 25;6:6. doi: 10.1186/s40621-019-0182-2. eCollection 2019.
- Stansfield R, Semenza D. Licensed firearm dealer availability and intimate partner homicide: A multilevel analysis in sixteen states. Prev Med. 2019 May 29;126:105739. doi: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2019.05.027. [Epub ahead of print]
- Sorenson SB, Spear D. New data on intimate partner violence and intimate relationships: Implications for gun laws and federal data collection. Prev Med. 2018 Feb;107:103-108. doi: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2018.01.005. Epub 2018 Jan 30.
- Sorenson SB1. Guns in Intimate Partner Violence: Comparing Incidents by Type of Weapon. J Womens Health (Larchmt). 2017 Mar;26(3):249-258. doi: 10.1089/jwh.2016.5832. Epub 2017 Jan 30.
- WHO, Femicide https://www.who.int/reproductivehealth/publications/violence/rhr12_38/en/
- #CallItFemicide: Understanding gender-related killings of women and girls in Canada 2018. Canadian Femicide Observatoryfor Justice and Accountability. https://femicideincanada.ca/2018report
- Organization TWH. Understanding and addressing violence against women 2012 https://www.who.int/reproductivehealth/publications/violence/rhr12_38/en/.
- Campbell JC, Glass N, Sharps PW, Laughon K, Bloom T. Intimate partner homicide: review and implications of research and policy. Trauma, violence & abuse. 2007;8(3):246-69.
- Sorenson SB. Firearm use in intimate partner violence: a brief overview. Evaluation review. 2006;30(3):229-36.
- Sanford C, Marshall SW, Martin SL, Coyne-Beasley T, Waller AE, Cook PJ, et al. Deaths from violence in North Carolina, 2004: how deaths differ in females and males. Injury prevention: journal of the International Society for Child and Adolescent Injury Prevention. 2006;12 Suppl 2:ii10-ii6.
- Carmichael H, Jamison E, Bol KA, McIntyre R, Jr., Velopulos CG. Premeditated versus "passionate": patterns of homicide related to intimate partner violence. The Journal of surgical research. 2018;230:87-93.
- Arbuckle J, Olson L, Howard M, Brillman J, Anctil C, Sklar D. Safe at home? Domestic violence and other homicides among women in New Mexico. Annals of emergency medicine. 1996;27(2):210-5.
- Adhia A, Kernic MA, Hemenway D, Vavilala MS, Rivara FP. Intimate Partner Homicide of Adolescents. JAMA pediatrics. 2019.
- Banks L, Crandall C, Sklar D, Bauer M. A comparison of intimate partner homicide to intimate partner homicide-suicide: one hundred and twenty-four New Mexico cases. Violence against women. 2008;14(9):1065-78.
- Campbell JC, Webster D, Koziol-McLain J, Block C, Campbell D, Curry MA, et al. Risk factors for femicide in abusive relationships: results from a multisite case control study. American journal of public health. 2003;93(7):1089-97.
- Kivisto AJ, Magee LA, Phalen PL, Ray BR. Firearm Ownership and Domestic Versus Nondomestic Homicide in the U.S. American journal of preventive medicine. 2019;57(3):311-20
- Stansfield R, Semenza D. Licensed firearm dealer availability and intimate partner homicide: A multilevel analysis in sixteen states. Preventive medicine. 2019;126:105739.
- Diez C, Kurland RP, Rothman EF, Bair-Merritt M, Fleegler E, Xuan Z, et al. State Intimate Partner Violence-Related Firearm Laws and Intimate Partner Homicide Rates in the United States, 1991 to 2015. Annals of internal medicine. 2017;167(8):536-43
- Gollub EL, Gardner M. Firearm legislation and firearm use in female intimate partner homicide using National Violent Death Reporting System data. Preventive medicine. 2019;118:216-9.
- McPhedran S. An Evaluation of the Impacts of Changing Firearms Legislation on Australian Female Firearm Homicide Victimization Rates. Violence against women. 2018;24(7):798-815.
- Bailey JE, Kellermann AL, Somes GW, Banton JG, Rivara FP, Rushforth NP. Risk factors for violent death of women in the home. Archives of internal medicine. 1997;157(7):777-82.
- Finlay-Morreale HE, Tsuei BJ, Fisher BS, Davis K, Johannigman JA. Close is dead: determinants of firearm injury lethality in women. The Journal of trauma. 2009;66(4):1207-11.
- McFarlane J, Campbell JC, Sharps P, Watson K. Abuse during pregnancy and femicide: urgent implications for women's health. Obstetrics and gynecology. 2002;100(1):27-36.
- Nicolaidis C, Curry MA, Ulrich Y, Sharps P, McFarlane J, Campbell D, et al. Could we have known? A qualitative analysis of data from women who survived an attempted homicide by an intimate partner. Journal of general internal medicine. 2003;18(10):788-94.
- Sorenson SB, Schut RA. Nonfatal Gun Use in Intimate Partner Violence: A Systematic Review of the Literature. Trauma, violence & abuse. 2018;19(4):431-42.
- Sorenson SB. Guns in Intimate Partner Violence: Comparing Incidents by Type of Weapon. Journal of women's health (2002). 2017;26(3):249-58.
- Hink AB, Toschlog E, Waibel B, Bard M. Risks go beyond the violence: Association between intimate partner violence, mental illness, and substance abuse among females admitted to a rural Level I trauma center. J Trauma Acute Care Surg. 2015;79(5):709-14; discussion 15-6.
- Sorenson SB, Wiebe DJ. Weapons in the lives of battered women. American journal of public health. 2004;94(8):1412-7.
- Sullivan TP, Weiss NH. Is Firearm Threat in Intimate Relationships Associated with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms Among Women? Violence and gender. 2017;4(2):31-6.
- Intimate Partner Violence. Draft. https://www.facs.org/quality-programs/trauma/advocacy/ipc/firearm-injury
Press releases
For immediate release
Conservative Party plan to move backwards on gun control will endanger public health, Canadian Doctors for Protection from Guns warns
The three other major national parties all support new gun control measures with the Liberal Party offering most comprehensive approach
Toronto, October 17, 2019 – Canadian Doctors for Protection from Guns (CDPG) is warning that Andrew Scheer’s Conservative Party plan to move backwards on gun control will endanger public health. The organization is also concerned about the political company that Mr. Scheer keeps. Rod Giltaca, CEO of the Canadian Coalition for Firearm Rights (CCFR), acknowledged in a Reddit Ask Me Anything session on October 12th that the organization has “had great discussions” with the Conservative Party and “are in somewhat agreement with us that any regulation that doesn't have a demonstrable effect on public safety should be looked at very seriously”. The CCFR calls for open and concealed carry of firearms in public, stand your ground laws, and eliminating prohibition of guns. Like the CCFR, the Conservative Party is refusing to place new restrictions on access to guns and is promising to repeal Bill C-71, legislation that improves background checks, among other modest changes.
In September, CDPG sent a questionnaire to all major national party leaders. Our organization welcomed the thoughtful answers to our questions from the Liberal, New Democratic, and Green parties. The Conservative Party did not respond. Included among the questions was whether the proliferation of assault weapons and handguns should be considered a public health threat; if Canada should take a harm reduction approach to guns; and if leaders would denounce the repeated personal attacks on our members by the CCFR. On these points, all parties who responded agreed.
We are pleased with the Liberal Party’s commitment to a national assault weapons ban, and an overall gun control plan that is progressive, specific, and actionable. Further highlights from the Liberal, NDP, and Green Party responses to our questionnaire can be read at www.doctorsforprotectionfromguns.ca.
Members of CDPG see the increasing devastation caused by guns on our patients; our communities suffer the impacts for years; and our public health care system bears the weight of preventable harm. Since launching its campaign to bring a public health focus to gun control policy, CDPG has collected a wide body of evidence supporting its position that restricting access to guns reduces gun injury and death, and that jurisdictions with stronger gun laws, including specific gun bans, have fewer gun homicides, suicides, and accidental shootings. Our organization’s call for a substantive public policy response to address this issue has been endorsed by 13 prominent medical associations as well as the National Council of Women of Canada. We stand with the large majority of Canadians calling for more action on gun control, now.
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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 visit www.canadiandoctorsforprotectionfromguns.ca.
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
The following are highlights from the Liberal, NDP, and Green Party responses to our questionnaire:
Liberal Party
Ban assault weapons and attachments which increase lethality; launch buyback program
Give cities the power to ban handguns
Change “the way firearms are advertised, marketed, and sold in Canada”
Red flag law
Support for youth at risk and a poverty reduction strategy
Add mental health services to Canada Health Act
Flag bulk purchases of guns
Strengthen safe storage laws
Ensure police resources and strengthen penalties for gun smuggling
Require everyone importing ammunition to show proof of a valid firearms license
New Democratic Party
The “removal of assault military weapons from our cities”
Support allowing cities to ban handguns
Support a harm reduction approach to guns
Policies to address poverty, racism, and other social determinants of violence
More focused resources to prevent the illegal smuggling of guns
Green Party
New measures to reduce gun smuggling
Launch a confidential buyback program for handguns and assault weapons
Review options for secure central storage
Review the banning of instruments or attachments which increase the lethality of weapons
Support a harm reduction policy improve access to affordable housing, implement a guaranteed liveable income,
create a universal childcare program
For immediate release
Former Governor General Adrienne Clarkson, novelist Margaret Atwood, among prominent Canadian writers calling on party leaders to endorse a ban on assault weapons and handguns
Signatories to letter support campaign of Canadian Doctors for Protection from Guns and denounce gun lobby rhetoric
Toronto, October 9, 2019 – Canadian authors Margaret Atwood, Charlotte Gray, Michael Ondaatje, and Dr. Vincent Lam, as well as former Governor General Adrienne Clarkson are among the signatories of an open letter to party leaders being released today backing Canadian Doctors for Protection from Guns’ campaign for a ban on assault weapons and handguns. With the federal election less than two weeks away, the intervention of nearly 20 prominent writers adds to a growing public demand for Canada’s next government to stand up to the gun lobby and implement significant new gun control measures.
From the letter, the full text of which can be found below:
“When it comes to creating public policy on guns, governments must weigh private privilege and industry profit against the far greater importance of public health and community well-being....Canadian Doctors for Protection from Guns is calling for a ban on assault weapons and handguns as part of a comprehensive legal and social policy approach to addressing the public health impacts of guns. The signatories of this letter support their call to action. We ask you to join us and commit to moving quickly on the doctors’ recommendations, including the ban.”
Members of Canadian Doctors for Protection from Guns see the increasing devastation caused by guns on our patients; our communities suffer the impacts for years; and our public health care system bears the weight of preventable harm. The organization has called for a comprehensive public policy response, including addressing social determinants, reducing the illegal sale of guns and the importation of firearms from other jurisdictions, and measures to restrict access to guns.
A wide body of evidence supports the position of Canadian Doctors for Protection from Guns, as demonstrated by a thorough reference list with more than 150 citations of international scientific literature, peer-reviewed research papers, and publications from leading medical journals, available on our website.
“The evidence is incontrovertible: restricting access to guns will make our communities safer,” said Dr, Najma Ahmed, trauma surgeon and co-founder of Canadian Doctors for Protection from Guns. “We are thrilled to have the support of so many acclaimed Canadian writers in our campaign for stronger gun control policy.”
The letter comes one week after the launch of a national, pro bono advertising campaign to warn Canadians that the proliferation of assault weapons and handguns represents a public health threat – www.notbulletproof.ca/ www.paspareballes.ca. Over the past 15 years the number of such weapons in Canada has grown dramatically and it Is now time for political leaders to act.
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 visit www.canadiandoctorsforprotectionfromguns.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
The Canadian Way – Saying yes to Doctors’ call for a ban on assault weapons and handguns
Dear Justin Trudeau, Andrew Scheer, Jagmeet Singh, Elizabeth May, Yves-François Blanchet:
Canada is a country of reason and civility, peace and the common good.
When it comes to creating public policy on guns, governments must weigh private privilege and industry profit against the far greater importance of public health and community well-being.
Physicians with Canadian Doctors for Protection from Guns have witnessed firsthand the devastating physical and emotional trauma wrought by guns, from gender-based violence to suicide, homicide to accidental shootings of children. One of its founders, trauma surgeon Dr. Najma Ahmed, was on call the night of the mass shooting in the Danforth neighbourhood of Toronto.
The physicians point to a wide body of international research that makes three things very clear. 1. Death and injury by guns is a preventable public health issue. 2. Countries and jurisdictions with stronger gun laws have less gun injury and death. 3. Canada does not fare well compared to our peer nations of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development on proliferation of guns and firearm mortality.
Canadian Doctors for Protection from Guns is calling for a ban on assault weapons and handguns as part of a comprehensive legal and social policy approach to addressing the public health impacts of guns. The signatories of this letter support their call to action. We ask you to join us and commit to moving quickly on the doctors’ recommendations, including the ban.
Since launching their campaign, Canadian Doctors for Protection from Guns has been endorsed by more than a dozen prominent medical associations and women’s organizations and supported by doctors, nurses, paramedics, and other health professionals from across the country.
Yet the campaign has also drawn the vitriolic ire of Canadian gun lobby groups who have engaged in online campaigns of harassment, launched frivolous complaints to the country’s largest professional regulatory college, and released a disturbing video warning that doctors will “own” responsibility for children being shot and killed if a handgun and assault weapons ban is implemented. On April 12th, the CEO of one of the groups compared a gun control advocate working with the doctors to lead Nazi propogandist Joseph Goebbels.
This is the discourse and tactics of the National Rifle Association in the United States. We have seen where that path can lead. Our history, culture, and politics are very different in Canada, yet we cannot be complacent. Our leaders must clearly state the gun lobby approach is not welcome here.
We need a made in Canada solution to gun policy. The security and well-being of our families and communities depend on it. Support a ban on handguns and assault weapons.
Sincerely,
Signatures
Angie Abdou
Margaret Atwood
Dennis Bock
Cathy Buchanan
Adrienne Clarkson
Andrew Davidson
Graeme Gibson
Don Gillmor
Charlotte Gray
Rawi Hage
Elizabeth Hay
Vincent Lam
Linden McIntyre
Michael Ondaatje
Michael Redhill
Linda Spalding.
Madeleine Thien
Alissa York
For immediate release
Canadian Doctors for Protection from Guns launches #NotBulletproof campaign to alert Canadians to harm posed by proliferation of semi-automatic weapons
Group also releases extensive new reference list backing call for stronger gun laws
Toronto, October 2, 2019 – Canadian Doctors for Protection from Guns is launching a new national advertising campaign to warn Canadians that the proliferation of semi-automatic guns in this country represents a public health threat – www.notbulletproof.ca/ www.paspareballes.ca. Over the past 15 years the number of semi-automatic weapons in Canada has grown dramatically and it Is now time for political leaders to act.
“The evidence is incontrovertible: restricting access to guns, including semi-automatic weapons, will make our communities safer,” said Dr, Najma Ahmed, trauma surgeon and co-founder of Canadian Doctors for Protection from Guns. “One need only look to the United States to see the drastic consequences of failing to keep these weapons out of our communities.”
Members of Canadian Doctors for Protection from Guns see the increasing devastation caused by guns on our patients; our communities suffer the impacts for years; and our public health care system bears the weight of preventable harm. The organization has called for a comprehensive public policy response, including addressing social determinants, reducing the illegal sale of guns and the importation of firearms from other jurisdictions, and measures to restrict access to guns.
A wide body of evidence supports the position of Canadian Doctors for Protection from Guns, as demonstrated by the thorough reference list being released today, with more than 150 citations of international scientific literature, peer-reviewed research papers, and publications from leading medical journals.
Canadians Doctors for Protection from Guns is assisted in this campaign by national advertising firm Anderson DDB Health and Lifestyle, which graciously produced the advertising creative pro bono as part of its commitment to community well-being.
“We are pleased to be able to support Canadians Doctors for Protection from Guns in their important work to keep our communities safe,” said Anderson DDB Health & Lifestyle President and CEO Kevin Brady. “The team at Anderson DDB Health & Lifestyle was energized by this work and we believe this creative campaign is impactful and will wake Canadians up to the threat posed by semi-automatic weapons.”
The campaign will begin rolling out digitally today and in print and broadcast over the next week. The campaign is timed to engage Canadians as they consider gun control during the current federal election.
“With the concerning rise of hate groups in Canada coupled with the gun lobby’s inflammatory rhetoric it would seem that reducing access to semi-automatic weapons will undoubtedly lessen the tragic consequences of violent acts,” said Dr. Alan Drummond, Rural Emergency Physician and Executive Member of Canadian Doctors for Protection from Guns.
Canadian Doctors for Protection from Guns has written all political parties asking for their positions on various elements of laws and policies to keep Canadians safe from guns, including whether they support a ban on handguns and assault weapons, or semi-automatic weapons. The #NotBulletproof campaign invites Canadians to contact their local political candidates to encourage the same. With more than 80% of Canadians wanting stronger gun control laws, now is the time move forward.
“For too long Canadians have had to listen to the misleading, vituperative rhetoric of the gun industry lobby,” said Dr. Philip Berger, Associate Professor, Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto and Senior Advisor to Canadian Doctors for Protection from Guns. “It is time Canadians hear the truth. More guns equals more injury and death. It is time for our political leaders to act with courage and ban civilian ownership of semi-automatic weapons in Canada.”
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 visit www.canadiandoctorsforprotectionfromguns.ca
About Anderson DDB Health & Lifestyle
We are North America’s leading health and lifestyle agency with award-winning work that spans the globe. For over 40 years, we’ve worked with consumer and healthcare companies to develop smart, insightful, influential campaigns that make a difference in the lives of consumers. With roots in consumer marketing, we bring that same methodology and understanding to all our communications.
Our goal is to turn our clients' passions and objectives into meaningful work that impacts patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals everywhere. Anderson DDB Health & Lifestyle has a long-standing tradition of donating marketing services to wide variety of causes that resonate with agency staff.
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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
For immediate release
Toronto, ON, September 20, 2019
Canadian Doctors for Protection from Guns welcomes Liberal Party proposal to ban assault weapons and restrict access to guns
Group calls on all political parties to endorse stronger gun laws and denounce NRA-style rhetoric and tactics of the gun lobby
Canadian Doctors for Protection from Guns welcomes the Liberal Party’s campaign platform announcement today, particularly the proposal to ban assault weapons. The evidence clearly shows restricting access to guns, and assault weapons in particular, reduces injury and death by firearm.
Members of Canadian Doctors for Protection from Guns see the devastation caused by guns on our patients, our communities suffer the impacts for years, and our public health care system bears the weight of preventable harm. With more than 80% of Canadians wanting stronger gun laws to restrict access to guns, now is the time move forward.
Our organization is also in support of measures to flag owners of firearms who may be deemed a risk to themselves or their families. Approximately 80% of gun deaths are suicides and firearms are the most common method used in the killing of women and girls according to the Canadian Femicide Observatory.
The proposal to restrict access to handguns may have good intentions but is not the most effective measure available. As we have seen from the US, regionalized gun laws are insufficient in protecting people from injury and death. We strongly encourage a national ban on handguns.
New rules on the storage of firearms and the purchase of ammunition are also welcomed.
Earlier this week, Canadian Doctors for Protection from Guns wrote all political parties asking for their positions on various elements of laws and policies to keep Canadians safe from guns. We have also specifically requested parties denounce the rhetoric and tactics of the Canadian Coalition for Firearm Rights that is so harmful to having a respectful, evidence-based discussion on gun control. In addition to the mass filing of vexatious complaints to the professional college of Dr. Najma Ahmed, ultimately dismissed for appearing to be an abuse of process, the group has claimed the following:
- the CDPG advocacy campaign could result in children being shot and killed by police officers, and doctors would “own” responsibility for it - https://tinyurl.com/y2wkgext
- doctors involved in the campaign are "stepping on the throats" of people who own guns and trying to "discriminate" and "hurt" gun owners after hours - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qRV1U83em30&feature=youtu.be.
- “doctors will lie to you as easily as they breathe...we are going after them next" referring to medical associations endorsing CDPG - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vlc_guXfJCU
- a consultant to CDPG is “as bad a person” as lead Nazi propogandist Joseph Goebbels - https://twitter.com/KeegParty/status/1117683971473563648
Canadian political leaders must distance themselves from this NRA-style rhetoric and tactics. In the interim, Canadian Doctors for Protection from Guns will continue to advocate for further restrictions on access to guns in our society to make our homes and communities safer.
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 visit www.canadiandoctorsforprotectionfromguns.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
For immediate release
Toronto, ON, September 4 2019
Canadian Doctors for Protection from Guns calls on Canadian Pension Plan Investment Board to divest from American handgun and assault weapons manufacturers
In response to news that an upcoming report from Corporate Knights will reveal the Canadian Pension Plan includes holdings in American handgun and assault weapon manufacturers, Canadian Doctors for Protection from Guns is calling on the Canadian Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB) to end these relationships. As the CPPIB regards "responsible investing simply as intelligent long-term investing" it must take immediate steps to divest from the big gun industry. An industry that profits from injury and death and fear and weak gun laws do not meet the definition of responsible investing.
Our members see the devastation caused by guns on our patients, our communities suffer the impacts for years, and our public health care system bears the weight of preventable harm. With more than 80% of Canadians wanting stronger gun laws to restrict access to guns, our public pension plan should not be operating counter to this interest. We would be pleased to meet with the CPPIB Board to discuss the public health impacts of guns.
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.
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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
For immediate release
Following another chaotic shooting incident in Canada, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau needs to act now on guns
Toronto, ON, June 19, 2019 – Canadian Doctors for Protection from Guns is calling on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to take decisive action to protect the health and well-being of Canadians following a chaotic shooting incident in Toronto that for many, marred a tremendous public celebration of the Toronto Raptors championship basketball team. Doctors and other health care workers at the downtown Toronto hospital nearest the shooting treated not only the direct victims of gunfire, but injured children, pregnant women in distress, and those suffering from emotional shock.
“Monday’s near mass tragedy is a direct result of the proliferation of guns in our society,” said Dr. Najma Ahmed, co-Chair of Canadian Doctors for Protection from Guns and a trauma surgeon at St, Michael’s Hospital. “The Prime Minister needs to act now on handguns and assault weapons before another event happens.”
The Canadian experience tells us shooting events such as the one that occurred Monday in Toronto are not limited to big cities. Moncton, La Loche, Fredericton, and Quebec City have all been sites of mass shootings. We also know the type of guns used vary – and they can be legally obtained or illegally obtained. The perpetrators and motivations change. The common denominator is always the gun.
The proliferation of guns represents a growing public health threat. Statistics Canada reports that firearm-related violent crime has increased 42% since 2013. Canada has the 5th highest rate of age adjusted, standardized firearm mortality among 23 peer countries of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (Journal of the American Medical Association, 2018). Women and girls are particularly vulnerable. Shooting was the most common method of their killing in 2018 at 34% according to the Canadian Femicide Observatory for Justice and Accountability.
“Guns inflict psychological trauma and an emotional toll that lasts well after physical wounds have healed and impacts communities of people beyond direct victims,” said Dr. Julie Maggi, Executive member of Canadian Doctors for Protection from Guns and a Psychiatrist at St. Michael’s Hospital. “Comprehensive action on guns must be a public health priority.”
Missing in calls to restrict gun bans to cities is the reality that gun violence, per capita, is higher in rural Canada than urban. Further, 75% of gun deaths are suicides – a crisis that knows no municipal boundaries. Nor can femicide or accidental shootings be considered distinct geographic phenomena.
Polls consistently show tremendous public support from all parts of the country for a ban on handguns and assault weapons. Such measures are also strongly supported by medical research which consistently shows a clear correlation between restrictions on access to guns and improved public health and safety.
“Election promises are nice, but Canadians need action now,” said Dr. Philip Berger, senior adviser to Canadian Doctors for Protection from Guns and Associate Professor, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto. “While the gun industry lobby continues to spread false information in its hurry to sell more guns, the public health of Canadians remains at risk. The Prime Minister witnessed first-hand the impact of guns on the public. He cannot maintain his government’s inadequate compromise on effective gun control legislation.”
More than 1,000 health professionals and medical students in 16 cities participated in a National Day of Action on April 3rd in support of Bill C-71 and a ban on assault weapons and handguns. In April, the Canadian Medical Association Journal endorsed advocating for a public health approach to guns. The medical community is broadly united on this issue and Canadian Doctors for Protection from Guns intends to ensure gun control is an issue in the upcoming federal election through a variety of campaign interventions.
“Stronger gun laws hurt no one, and they will save countless lives,” said Dr. Ahmed. “Those who wish to lead must put public health and well-being first.”
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.
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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 28, 2019 - Statement by Canadian Doctors for Protection from Guns
A good day for public health and safety as the Senate passes Bill C-71
Canadian Doctors for Protection from Guns welcomes the passing of Bill C-71 by Senators this evening. This is legislation that will make our families and our communities safer. Bill C-71, An Act to amend certain Acts and Regulations in relation to firearms, is supported by clear and compelling evidence linking restrictions on access to guns with improved public health outcomes.
We wish to thank the Bill’s sponsor in the Senate, Senator Andre Pratte, and Ministers Ralph Goodale and Bill Blair for their advocacy for this legislation. There is widespread support for Bill C-71 within the medical community. A dozen prominent medical associations have endorsed our call for stronger gun laws. More than 1,000 health professionals and medical students in 16 cities participated in a National Day of Action on April 3rd in support of Bill C-71 and a ban on assault weapons and handguns. The Bill is also supported by a large majority of Canadians according to a Leger opinion poll from April 26th.
We recognize it takes political courage to overcome the kind of misinformation and harmful rhetoric being spread by those who purport to speak on behalf of Canadian hunters and gun owners. We thank the Senators, and previously, Members of Parliament, who supported this Bill for their commitment to reason and the public good.
The key components of Bill C-71 = better record keeping requirements for gun retailers, stronger background checks, and tighter regulations around transporting a gun – are modest but important changes that will lessen the risk of preventable gun injury and death and make Canadians safer.
The proliferation of guns represents a growing public health threat. Statistics Canada reports that firearm-related violent crime has increased 42% since 2013. Canada has the 5th highest rate of age adjusted, standardized firearm mortality among 23 peer countries of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (Journal of the American Medical Association, 2018). Women and girls are particularly vulnerable. Shooting was the most common method of their killing in 2018 at 34% according to the Canadian Femicide Observatory for Justice and Accountability. A 2018 position statement by the Canadian Pediatric Society states that guns should not be kept in environments where children live or play. Suicide is preventable death; 75% of gun deaths are suicides and nearly 15% of adolescent suicides in Canada are by gun.
Today’s vote is a solid step in the right direction. Now we must continue to take measures – including a ban on handguns and assault weapons – that will strengthen public health and safety. There is no time to lose.
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.
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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
Media Advisory
Media Advisory
Attention: Assignment desks, health, and crime/ justice reporters
Doctors and health professionals in 13 cities across the country to join in a National Day of Action on April 3rd to call for stronger gun laws in Canada
As first-hand witnesses to the emotional and physical trauma and devastation caused by guns, doctors and other health professionals are coming together to call for a public health focus to the debate around guns and a comprehensive public policy response to this crisis in our communities. Canadian Doctors for Protection from Guns is holding a national Day of Action on April 3rd in 13 cities across the country, from coast to coast, in large centres and smaller communities, call for stronger gun laws. Specifically, the grassroots group, comprised of trauma surgeons, emergency room physicians, paediatricians, psychologists and nurses, paramedics and other health professionals is urging the federal government to pass Bill C-71, An Act to amend certain Acts and Regulations in relation to firearms, and to implement a handgun and assault weapons ban.
Guns represent a growing public health threat. Statistics Canada reports that firearm-related violent crime has increased 42% since 2013, and Canada has the 5th highest rate of firearm mortality among 23 countries of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (Annals of Surgery, 2018). Women and girls are particularly vulnerable. Shooting was the most common method of their killing in 2018 at 34% according to the Canadian Femicide Observatory for Justice and Accountability. There is an increased risk of suicide when guns are accessible as noted in a 2018 statement by the Canadian Pediatric Society.
Canadian Doctors for Protection from Guns has concluded that we must treat gun related injury and death the way we treat other public health issues, such as smoking and road safety. The group looks forward to working with governments, health and legal stakeholders, and all concerned Canadians to respond to this urgent public health crisis.
National Day of Action Events – April 3rd
Toronto: Noon. Rally. United Church Grounds. Queen St. East and Bond St.
Montréal: 11 am. Montréal General Hospital. Livingston Hall 6th Floor; 12:30 March to McGill University Medical School.
Calgary: Noon. Rally. 29th St. and 16th Ave. NW.
Edmonton: Noon. Northeast Corner of Garneau Park, 109th St. and 84th Ave.
Vancouver: Noon. March. St. Paul's Hospital. 1081 Burrard St.
Ottawa: Noon. Rally. Wellington Street in front of Parliament; Press Conference 1:30, 135-B Press Conference Room
Kingston: Noon. information session and march. Queen’s Medical School, 15 Arch St.
Barrie/Midhurst: 3 pm. Discussion forum. Midhurst United Church, 90 Doran Rd.
Halifax: 11 am. Information Session. IWK Health Centre. Noon. Letter mailing to the Prime Minister.
St. John's: Noon. Rally. Clock Tower, Student Centre, Memorial University.
London: Letter mailing to the Prime Minister. London Health Science Centre to Canada Post, A-387 Wellington Rd.
Ajax: Noon. Letter writing campaign to the Prime Minister.
Winnipeg: Noon. Letter writing campaign to the Prime Minister.
More to come.
Further information is available at: www.doctorsforprotectionfromguns.ca.
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For more information or to arrange an interview please contact:
Christopher Holcroft
Consultant for Canadian Doctors for Protection from Guns
416-996-0767/ christopherholcroft@hotmail.ca
For immediate release – Toronto, March 22nd, 2019
Canadian Doctors for Protection from Guns calls for urgent action by Prime Minister Trudeau to ban assault weapons
With the world galvanized by the swift and courageous decision by New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern to ban assault weapons in response to the horrific mass shooting at Christchurch mosque, Canadian Doctors for Protection from Guns (CDPG) is calling on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to seize the moment and implement a similar ban here.
Last week’s shooting left 50 people dead and many more people remain in hospital in serious condition. The assault weapon used in the attack in New Zealand is similar to the one used in the mass shooting at the Islamic Cultural Centre in Quebec City two years ago. These types of guns can, and do, cause maximum death and horrible injury to many, many people within minutes. They are a threat to the health and well-being of our communities. Yet tragedies created from assault weapons and other guns are preventable with strict legislation.
Canadian Doctors for Protection from Guns was founded by physicians with firsthand experience treating the victims of gun trauma. We applaud the New Zealand government’s announcement yesterday declaring “all military style semi-automatics (MSSAs) and assault rifles” as well as “related parts used to convert these guns into MSSAs” will be banned, along with “all high-capacity magazines”.
These policy measures are further evidence the global discourse on guns is changing. Last month, the US House of Representatives passed its first major gun control measure in more than 20 years. In Canada. 81% of respondents to a 2018 Environics survey supported a ban on assault weapons. Nine leading Canadian medical organizations have endorsed the CDPG position statement which includes a call for more restrictions on guns.
In spite of the evidence, tragic examples, and public support, the gun industry lobby continues to push for weaker, not stronger gun laws. While Minister of Border Security and Organized Crime Reduction Bill Blair is expected to table his recommendations to the Prime Minister soon, there is a renewed urgency in implementing a ban on assault weapons.
Canada can demonstrate solidarity with the people of New Zealand while reminding the world we are a country that puts public safety over private interest. Prime Minister Trudeau should seize this moment.
Canadian Doctors for Protection from Guns will be bringing its call for a ban on assault weapons to the streets as part of a planned National Day of Action on April 3rd. Physicians in at least a dozen cities from coast to coast are organizing rallies, marches, and information sessions to call for change. Details on local events will be announced in the coming days.
About us
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. Please visit www.doctorsforprotectionfromguns.ca for more information.
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For more information or to arrange an interview please contact:
Christopher Holcroft
Principal, Empower Consulting
416-996-0767
christopherholcroft@hotmail.ca
Concerned with growing public health crisis of guns, doctors launch new campaign to fight for stronger laws
Canadian Doctors for Protection from Guns to hold a National Day of Action on April 3rd
Toronto, February 11th, 2019 – Frequently confronted with the devastation wrought by guns on their patients and communities, doctors from across the country are launching a new organization today to advocate for a comprehensive public policy response. Canadian Doctors for the Protection from Guns (CDPG) is specifically calling for swift passage of Bill C-71, An Act to amend certain Acts and Regulations in relation to firearms, and a ban on handguns and assault weapons.
"It is time to reframe the debate about guns in Canada and look at firearm related injuries and deaths through a public health lens,” said Dr. Najma Ahmed, Co-Chair of Canadian Doctors for Protection from Guns and a trauma surgeon at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto. “Death and injury by firearms are preventable tragedies. We are calling on policy makers to demonstrate courage and take decisive action to protect the safety of Canadians.”
Canadian Doctors for Protection from Guns is a grassroots group composed of family doctors, emergency room physicians, trauma surgeons, and psychiatrists collaborating with nurses, paramedics, rehabilitation specialists, counsellors and many other front-line health care professionals. Its position statement has already been endorsed by seven leading Canadian medical societies and the group has been invited to appear before the Senate’s Standing Committee on National Security and Defence studying Bill C-71 on February 18th at 7:00 pm. On April 3rd, CDPG will hold a National Day of Action in cities, towns, and communities across the country to call for stronger gun control laws
“The impact of guns is not limited to the kinds of violent incidents we learn about in the news,” said Dr. Lynn Wilson, Co-Chair of Canadian Doctors for Protection from Guns as well as a family physician and Vice Dean at the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Medicine. “Our professional experiences with victims of guns includes operating on children dying from accidental gunshots, holding the hands of domestic violence victims shot by their abusers, and counseling the families of people who have taken their own lives by gun.”
Guns represent a growing public health threat. Statistics Canada reports that firearm-related violent crime has increased 42% since 2013, and Canada has the 5th highest rate of firearm mortality among 23 countries of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (Annals of Surgery, 2018). Women and girls are particularly vulnerable. Shooting was the most common method of their killing in 2018 at 34% according to the Canadian Femicide Observatory for Justice and Accountability. There is an increased risk of suicide when guns are accessible as noted in a 2018 statement by the Canadian Pediatric Society.
Of course, numbers do not tell the full story.
“The physical and psychological scars on victims, families, and communities far outlast the initial gunshot,” said Jacinthe Lampron, trauma surgeon and Medical Trauma Director at the Ottawa Hospital. “Doctors and nurses treating preventable gun injuries diverts much needed public health resources from other emergency care services. Trauma from gun injuries also results in chronic illness, both physical and psychological.”
Canadian Doctors for Protection from Guns has concluded that we must treat gun related injury and death the way we treat other public health issues, such as smoking and road safety. The group looks forward to working with governments, health and legal stakeholders, and all concerned Canadians to respond to this urgent public health crisis.
“We know the pro-gun lobby is going to try and muddy the issue,” added Dr. Alan Drummond, a rural emergency physician in Perth, Ontario. “But our expertise – and our professional responsibility – is in the protection of public health. We are therefore compelled to act.”
The following physicians are available for interview:
Dr. Najma Ahmed, Co-Chair of Canadian Doctors for Protection from Guns, and trauma surgeon at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto
Dr. Philip Berger, Associate Professor, Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto
Dr. Jacinthe Lampron, trauma surgeon and Medical Trauma Director at the Ottawa Hospital
Dr. Alan Drummond, rural emergency physician in Perth, Ontario
Dr. Andrew Beckett, trauma surgeon at the Montreal General Hospital
Dr. Natasha Saunders, paediatrician and Clinician-Investigator, at The Hospital for Sick Children Toronto
Dr. Julie Maggi, Psychiatrist, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto
About us
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.
Please visit www,doctorsforprotectionfromguns.ca for more information.
For more information or to arrange an interview please contact:
Christopher Holcroft
Principal, Empower Consulting
416-996-0767
christopherholcroft@hotmail.ca
fédération des femmes médecins au canada