NDP MP demands NRA be put on Canada's terrorist watchlist

Longtime NDP MP Charlie Angus reiterated his support for putting the NRA on Canada's terrorist watchlist in light of the past week's events in Texas.

In 2019, Angus called out the National Rifle Association for "attempting to meddle in public safety policies in other countries," and urged the government to label them a terrorist organization alongside Al Qaida, ISIS, and the Taliban.

Angus, who represents Timmins-James Bay, reiterated his support for the idea on Sunday in light of the events that have unfolded over the past week.

"Three years ago I proposed putting the @NRA on Canada's terrorist watchlist," Angus tweeted. "It's time that Attorney General @DavidLametti took seriously the need to ensure that the NRA directors are not allowed to cross our borders."

Angus' statement comes less than a week after 21 innocent Americans were gunned down in an elementary school in Uvalde, TX. Just days later, the NRA held a conference in Texas, which drew criticism from many given that the nation was still reeling from the latest mass shooting.

During the conference, former president Donald Trump slammed those attempting to use the tragedy for political purposes, namely to crack down on responsible gun owners.

"The existence of evil in our world is not a reason to disarm law-abiding citizens," he said. "The existence of evil is one of the very best reasons to arm law-abiding citizens."

As True North points out, while the NRA is an American organization, it influences pro-gun individuals and groups north of the border as well, who have had much to discuss over the few days.

On Monday, Trudeau moved to implement a "national freeze" on handgun sales across Canada.

"What this means is that it will no longer be possible to buy, sell, transfer, or import handguns anywhere in Canada," he said, to applause from those in attendance.

The move has garnered criticism from many, who see it as the government going too far.