Feds launch studies of gun industry and environmental impact of lead bullets

OTTAWA – The federal government plans to conduct what it calls an in-depth study of the country’s civilian firearms industry as part of a program to combat gun crime and weapons smuggling and trafficking.

Public Safety Canada wants up-to-date details on who is making civilian weapons, who’s selling them, who’s buying, who is exporting and importing and who works in the industry.

It’s all part of a inter-departmental program that involves Public Safety, the RCMP, Border Services and the Criminal Intelligence Service Canada.

The government posted a request for proposal for the study on the same day the Supreme Court of Canada agreed to hear a Quebec bid to preserve the last of the federal long-gun registry data.

The Conservative government passed legislation in 2012 to destroy millions of gun registrations — a move that was opposed by police forces who said the information helped combat gun crime, including firearms smuggling and trafficking.

Environment Canada is also seeking bids for another contract worth up to $60,000 to study the use of lead bullets and shot and their impact on the environment and human health.