Dawson College families press Ottawa for tougher gun controls on 20th anniversary

Ahead of the 20th anniversary of the Dawson College massacre, survivors and relatives have called on the federal government to finalize three key gun-control actions: a full prohibition of assault-style firearms, a ban on oversized magazines, and stricter oversight of exemptions for Olympic and Paralympic shooters. Their open letter, signed by those directly affected, criticises the slow progress since the 2006 shooting that claimed the life of 18-year-old Anastasia De Sousa and wounded 19 others.

While noting that Canada has already frozen handguns and removed many assault weapons, the families point to an ongoing amnesty tied to a buy-back program that still leaves prohibited guns in private hands. They also highlight recent gun violence in Montreal as evidence that stronger measures are needed now. Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree described the anniversary as a reminder of the need for community safety and cited the Assault-Style Firearms Compensation Program, which has accounted for over 142,000 seized weapons, along with increased border security and law-enforcement resources. A memorial ceremony at Dawson College and a graveside gathering for Anastasia’s family are scheduled for the anniversary weekend.