Rafferty repeats pledge to scrap long-gun registry

Despite mounting pressure on both sides of the long-gun registry debate, MP John Rafferty (NDP, Thunder Bay – Rainy River) confirmed Thursday he will stick to his guns and vote to abolish the registry.

Rafferty issued a news release Thursday afternoon stating that he intends to vote in favour of continuing the legislative process for Bill C-391 on Sept. 22, which means he will vote against a motion from the Public Safety Committee.

If that motion is defeated he will then vote in favour of a private member’s bill to axe the registry. He said he believes these votes reflect what his constituents want.

"Whether C-391 passes or fails I believe that this must serve as a starting point for a national dialogue to develop a new firearm control policy in this country that enhances public safety and respects the rights, culture and traditions of all Canadians," he said in the release.