Why Does Canada Have Less Gun Violence Per Capita Than the United States?

Funny how gun violence is the only violence you seem to have a problem with. It's as if some individuals view weapons as an unfair advantage.

Canadian Perspective on Gun Control

As a Canadian, we accept the idea that the good of the nation outweighs the selfishness of American gun culture. Our country's approach to gun control stands in stark contrast to that of the United States, and the results are evident. The rest of the industrialized world has much lower levels of gun deaths and gun violence due to stringent gun control measures.

The Influence of Gun Availability on Public Safety

The availability of firearms closely correlates with the frequency of violent incidents. The U.S. has easier access to a much higher number of firearms, particularly handguns. In Canada, these weapons are heavily restricted, primarily for gun ranges with strict controls on storage and transportation. Some security guards and trappers may use handguns for protection against wildlife, but there is no open or concealed carry of handguns, except in rare cases.

Firearm Homicide Statistics Compared

The firearm homicide statistics illustrate the stark difference between the three countries:

The overall homicide rates in Canada and the UK are not vastly different from each other (1.72 per 100,000 for Canada and 1.20 per 100,000 for the UK) compared to 6.4 per 100,000 for the U.S. These differences in firearm homicide rates largely align with firearm ownership statistics, adding weight to the argument that gun availability significantly impacts public safety.

Consequences of Looser Gun Laws

It's clear that when the tool (guns) is easily available, people are more likely to use it. The U.S. has much easier access to a larger quantity of firearms, especially handguns, which are heavily restricted in Canada. Over time, new restrictions on handguns are being implemented, making it increasingly difficult for private citizens to own these weapons.

Apathy and Inaction in the United States

The United States still has a long way to go and it will take time for significant change. The reason? America isn't even trying. The lack of political will and public pressure for stricter gun control contribute to the status quo.

Conclusion

It all comes down to the availability of guns. In Canada, obtaining a firearm is a slower process with numerous restrictions. Handguns are virtually non-existent in private hands due to new and ongoing restrictions. If the tool isn't readily available, it's far less likely to be used. The path to a safer society starts with stricter gun control measures, and it's a journey that Canada, along with several other industrialized nations, has successfully embarked upon.