OTTAWA — The federal government withdrew an amendment to its proposed gun legislation Friday that included a controversial new definition of an assault-style weapon.
Liberal MP Taleeb Noormohamed received unanimous support from the House of Commons public safety committee to withdraw the amendment to Bill C-21.
The bill, which was introduced last May, aims to limit gun access for people who pose a danger to themselves or others and expand rules around Ottawa’s ban on handguns.
Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino said on Twitter that Ottawa had committed to coming up with “a clear, standard definition” of what defines an assault-style firearm.
“There have been legitimate concerns raised about the need for more consultation and debate on this vital part of the bill,” he said on Twitter.
“We hear those concerns loud and clear, regret the confusion that this process has caused and are committed to a thoughtful and respectful conversation that is based on facts, not fear.”
The amendment would have defined what type of firearms should be banned in Canada and added dozens of new semi-automatic rifles and shotguns to the list.
It caused an outcry among rural Canadians, as advocates argued the amendment criminalized weapons hunters often use legally.