Firearms smuggling

In Canada, the illicit firearms market is supplied primarily by smuggled firearms, particularly handguns, from the United States or those stolen domestically. While the actual number of firearms smuggled into Canada is unknown, the consequences for Canadian society are unmistakable. According to Statistics Canada, in 2005, the national homicide rate increased for the second consecutive year, following a 30-year decline. Most of this increase is linked to gang-related homicides, two-thirds of which involved a firearm, usually a handgun. We must continue to work diligently with our partners to target firearms smuggling networks.