Is it even possible to have personal liberty in Canada?
Mr.Nobody was kind enough to leave the following comment on my post about a day at the shooting range:
“A firearm (or many) is pretty much a prerequisite to self-reliance and personal liberty. Which is why you can’t and don’t really have either in Canada.”
So that brings up the question, is it even possible to have personal liberty in Canada? Can we really be free?
What does liberty mean to me?
Now I’m not a political scholar, and I’m not even interested in looking up definitions at this point. So I am sure that I will have many of you disagreeing with me about the semantics of word use. Not just in this post, but in the future on this blog too.
To me, liberty means being free to pursue your own life and dreams; without interference from the government, neighbours, corporations, or anybody else. That is freedom to earn as much or as little money as you wish, without excessive taxation to pay for social programs that you don’t want, need, or use anyways.
This includes the freedom to grow your own food, raise your own animals, catch fish, and sustainably harvest wild animals for your own needs. You should be free to provide for your family, without others interfering whether through bylaws, home owner associations, strata councils, or petitions.
It also means having the right to protect your life, your family, your home, and your property. To me, this is a combination of firearms, police force, close neighbour relationships, and a penal system that persuades would-be criminals that it isn’t worth the punishment.
Liberty does not mean anarchy or feudalism
Wanting personal liberty does not mean you want the absolute abolishment of all forms of government. That would not be a good situation. There are morally just functions that the government performs. This is where I think many Libertarians go a bit wrong, they preach for such drastic reforms that it seems as if they want anarchy; this is where they lose people (kinda like me) who just want a steady and continuous wind-down of the government’s involvement in our lives.
Governments, especially local ones, are better suited at providing policing, firefighting, road infrastructure, national defence, prisons, and possibly health care. I say possibly health care because I am not enamoured with our social health care system, and not really having private options available. People say that our health care is the best in the world, but this isn’t necessarily the case. We have long wait times for vital services, and the only private options are available by travelling to the USA, Thailand, India, or another country. Our health care system will be discussed at length on this website.
In my honest opinion, though, Governments have no place in running a liquor store, insurance corporation, ferry operator, power generator, or even a pension plan. This is especially true at the federal and provincial level. If a case can be honestly made for a city to operate a power distribution network, then it should only be done at that municipal level.
What do gun rights have to do with liberty?
Guns are useful tools for hunting AND protection. That means protection from wild animals OR people invading your home or threatening you or your family some other way.
It is nice to not have everyone armed on our streets, it is a peaceful feeling. But perhaps that is a false sense of security, because this effectively turns our entire nation into a gun-free zone, where the criminals can rampage without much worry of an armed citizen. I am undecided whether allowing concealed carry would be a good or bad thing. In the past it has worked out, but that is hard to tell in the future. As more people move to the cities, the criminal population is bound to increase. Add in economic upheaval and this is very fertile ground for criminal violence.
However, I am a VERY big proponent of having guns at home. Guns that are stored safely also accessible for home defence purposes. We need to protect the citizens who defend themselves, their families, and their communities using firearms; unfortunately we are currently better at protecting the criminals. I believe in the use of firearms to protect our homes. I believe in having rifles, shotguns, and handguns at home. And I believe we should be able to carry our handgun while on our own property.
If you are just now becoming interested in firearms, read about my first trip to the shooting range.
How to improve personal liberty in Canada?
Personal liberty in Canada can be increased by promoting self sufficiency in food production, income generation, and personal security.
We must promote gardening and backyard chickens if we are to increase the health and robustness of our future population. Due to rising fuel costs and general food cost inflation, being entirely dependent on the grocery stores and supermarkets is not advisable. But, if you grow many of your own basics, then you can afford to purchase quality,local items at the store to round out your diet. Watching your grocery bills increase much much faster than your income is not a comfortable position to be in.
We must promote the ownership of AND training with firearms. We should all purchase one or more gun for hunting and protecting our homes. When it comes to firearms, we have to have the “use it or lose it” mentality. If we are indifferent about owning them, then the government will just increase the difficulty of obtaining them.
Finally we must promote the independence of thought. You should think for yourself when it comes to financial matters, current affairs, politics, nutrition, and health. I have to emphasize the last two. You must think for yourself and take your own nutrition and health into your own hands. The agricultural industry is there to make a profit, not to promote your health. The pharmaceutical and medical industries are there to create customers of their products and services, not to find a cure. Home gardening is not profitable to the agricultural giants, and disease cures are not profitable to the pharmaceutical conglomerates. It is absolutely essential that you think for yourself on these matters.
What do you think? Do we have personal liberty in Canada? Are we free? Do firearms even have a place in the discussion about liberty?
Personal Liberty…does it really exist here? I have become increasingly concerned about this and other related topics over the last 5 years. With the growing thought in mind that liberty, self reliance and preparedness are not just for “out-there wackos” but are actually prudent for those of us who wish to live without relying totally on the establishment. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not there yet. I’m working toward it slowly.
I found most of your sentiments to closely match my own. I believe in respect to much of what you have said, a good many of us Sovereign Canadians make up a larger portion of the public than some might have us believe.
You won’t find many Canadians who believe we’re better off without government or law enforcement either. My guess is most of us prefer not having to deal with those headaches. But, let me not say that without suggesting that less governmental waste and interference, fewer senate scandals and the revision of nonsensical laws wouldn’t top the list of changes we might like to see.
I have always been a supporter of law enforcement and find wanton criticism of our police force(s) reprehensible. Before anyone says “Yeah but”….I’m not blind to the abuses of power or sweeping under the rug of questionable conduct or misconduct.
Abuse of power is nothing new. I was right upset and still am about the gun confiscations and breaching of secured homes in High River, AB this summer and wrote letters to my MP, the PMO and even the Premier of BC…only because the RCMP happen to be our main police force too. Let me say that the responses I received were pretty weak…I was and am disappointed. What happened in High River speaks directly to our lack of liberty. You mentioned a false sense of security…most of us have a false sense of liberty too.
I have had casual conversations with both a current RCMP member and a 30 year veteran of the Vancouver Police and both gave similar responses. Officers do what they are told…period. Especially in those types of situations. So, responsibility goes up the chain of command and ultimately becomes a political decision. Why? Because someone chose to violate the rights of hundreds of homeowners in the interest of “public safety”. But were any rights violated though? It appears maybe not…so why does it feel so wrong?
Even my most rabid, anti-gun acquaintances said they thought that it was wrong for the RCMP to forcibly enter the secured home of a law-abiding citizen for any reason. I agree…if I were 80 years old, stubborn and chose to stay in my home and die there if that be the case…shouldn’t that be my prerogative? So while searching for hold outs and pets the RCMP decided to “secure” any firearms found along the way. Troubling to say the least. If its not illegal for them to do so now…it damn well should be.
We don’t have the same constitutional liberties afforded to our southern neighbour either…maybe that needs to change. I for one, believe that to be true. I like my freedom. I like my guns. I support law and order. I don’t believe the police or the government are ultimately responsible for my safety either. That’s my job. I truly believe in my heart that freedom is precious and with it comes inherent risks. I accept those risks and I do not want my safety legislated for me thank you.
You better believe I’d rather know my closest neighbours and friends were armed too. If the day ever arises and heaven forbid a disaster strikes us (earthquake , tsunami, pandemic or worse…civil insurrection) I don’t want to be totally dependent on the government or anyone else for my well being or that of my family. I also don’t want to be at the mercy of those who might try to capitalize on those who are prepared but not armed. Looting and armed robbery are rampant after a disaster…it happens…face it. This is a reality we have seen play out all over the world time and time again.
I couldn’t agree more with this comment of yours:
“We must promote the ownership of AND training with firearms. We should all purchase one or more gun for hunting and protecting our homes. When it comes to firearms, we have to have the “use it or lose it” mentality. If we are indifferent about owning them, then the government will just increase the difficulty of obtaining them.
Finally we must promote the independence of thought. You should think for yourself when it comes to financial matters, current affairs, politics, nutrition, and health.”
Far too many of us in North America are willing to be spoon-fed the ideology and agendas of the wealthy and privileged. Bah! You say? Why do the networks put Hollywood stars on TV to tell us about politics and what’s right and just then? Saw it again last night…main stream news interviewing Hollywood types about the passing of Nelson Mandela and what he meant to them…are you kidding me? Really? Who gives a crap what they think? I certainly don’t give a rip what a multi-millionaire, lap of luxury living, Hollywood bozo thinks about much of anything…especially Mandela.
Call me crazy but we have a disease here in Western society of crediting celebrities with far more brains and depth than they deserve.
Anyway, thank you for your insightful articles.
Amazingly insightful comment – thank you. I need to read AND let soak in just to properly respond. By respond I mean agree with.
This is the kind of feedback that lets me know I’m not alone – this is what re-invigorates me to attack the Christmas season and 2014 with more of my thoughts on here.
🙂
Hi Cal, really appreciate the comments!
I respect anybody who has an informed opinion, and even more, I respect a person working on their own personal sovereignty. I am working on this path and am by no means anywhere near finished myself.
The High River situation is bothering me more now that I have taken the Canadian firearms safety course and fully understand what defines the legal storage of firearms. But, just like you, I don’t want to label all police as corrupt and power-grabbing. On an individual level, most every officer really does want to Serve & Protect. Unfortunately, in that profession, any little indiscretion can lead to a major situation.
In fact, I have a dream of signing up just to enforce commercial vehicle safety violations.
But my issue here is that the offending officers and their colleagues will now feel more emboldened to perform seizures of legal firearms at their discretion. Like teenagers testing the waters of how far they can go, they next offence will be greater – unless there are punishments now.
Even though I grew up around rifles, I feel many times safer and more confident around them now that I have taken a professional CFSC. When I do begin to purchase guns, I will have my spouse go through the program too – without my presence! I understand the American sentiment to resist even mandatory training to own a firearm. But I feel that any serious gun owner has a moral obligation to be well trained and exceptionally safe with firearms.
I, too, like my guns and freedom. Society has nothing to fear from me if I had a fully automatic rifle or a concealed handgun – In fact they would benefit. A well stocked collection is in my future (think Wild Bill Hickok 45 meets Jack Spirko meets Sootch00 if you know those guys) – or at least a guy can dream.
I would like to have less restrictive gun laws here too. But on the other hand I am afraid that we have been babied and taught to avoid firearms for so long, that we have nary a chance of the general public being able to handle this freedom. Ditto speed limits. Ditto alcohol laws. Just think of that guy who’s parents never let him drink in high school – how was his first week/month at college??
I find that I’ve grown out of the city mentality. There are people everywhere, but no community. Everyone is dependent on the stores for food, BC hydro for power, Skytrain for transport, etc. And since I’ve been there, it’s worked quite well. Nobody’s had the need for a garden or deep pantry.
But I’ve grown tired of this. Of not having room for food storage, of the hippy & hipster anti-gun folks, of the thousands of dollars monthly for day care, and of the complete reliance on the system. Now I love hopping on the sky train, but as a convenience, not a necessity. Anytime I can spend $2 to get downtown, I’ll take it.
As a Sovereign Canadian, you could correctly expect that my own goals are an acreage outside of the city. Not some doomsday prepper commune 4 hours away, but outside of the suburbs – somewhere I can have a bonfire and shoot guns with the only cops showing up there being the ones I invite. Gardening, livestock, fruit & nut trees, energy self-reliance, beer & wine making, bee keeping, hunting, fishing (even aquaculture), and more interest me. Rest assured, that when I get there I’ll be including any neighbours that show any interest. Isolation is not the goal and is not something I respect. Setting an example for society to follow is.
And celebrities – don’t get me started. There’s nothing worse than those folks who are famous for being famous. So I’d like to end with a wish: “God, please stop making stupid people famous!”
A couple further things I’d like to throw out there with respect to liberty and gun regulations in Canada.
In my opinion, the thinking (I say thinking…not logic) behind our gun laws is intrinsically flawed. Law makers somehow think that by limiting our freedom of choice of firearm that we can purchase or own; that will somehow prevent those “bad” firearms from falling into the hands of criminals. When will the public wake up and realize that this never has been, is not and never will be true? Criminals will continue to obtain both legal and illegal firearms and use them against each other and us whenever they like it. Irrespective of any law, regulation, restriction, prohibition, embargo or whatever… criminals and those bent on doing evil with a firearm will continue to do so without a thought of what law they might be violating.
A thought on fully automatic firearms. Do we need them as citizens? Not really. Do I want one? Sure, for my collection…that would be awesome. Should I be prevented from owning one if I am proven to be without a criminal record and pass the background checks? Absolutely not. Should I be restricted where I can use it? Probably, background checks don’t account for common sense. However, hunters with high powered rifles are probably more dangerous on a scale of number of shots fired each year. Chance of a stray bullet is pretty good on both counts, again common sense has to prevail.
The AR15 / M16 / MP5 / AK47, etc, etc issue. I see nothing wrong with owning and using them. Whether they are semi-auto only or not, what’s the real difference? One is capable of emptying the magazine faster than the other…we’re talking a difference of a few seconds here.
Mag capacity….again legislating safety without a thorough look at the logic. 5 round mag….answer is multiple magazines or altered magazines if you are a criminal…what’s the diff?
What is the difference between a Mini-14 chambered in .223 and a semi-auto AR15 in .223/5.56? Fundamentally, absolutely nothing except the Mini-14 / Mini 30 are both non-restricted and the semi-auto AR is restricted and the full-auto versions are prohibited.
I could own an”arsenal” (I love the way the leftist media uses this word) of Mini-14’s and be totally fine to take them out to the bush and play with ’em all day long if I so chose. How is that any safer or more appropriately any more dangerous with an AR15 or AK47? Simple answer…it’s not.
For some unknown reason the AR’s and AK’s are apparently “bad” in the eyes of the law…dangerous killing machines…I don’t know, maybe those particular guns are capable of autonomous thought?!?
Do I believe for one second that I am alone in this thinking? Alone in these opinions? Alone in the understanding of good stewardship with regard to firearm ownership? Absolutely I am not alone!!! The vast majority of us Canadian gun owners are good stewards, responsible citizens and should be treated as such.
I agree that all this bleeding-heart, anti-gun rhetoric in the liberal media is mostly ineffective at everything but turning undecided urbanites against us patrons of responsible gun ownership and gun culture.
I also agree that (you and I) as upstanding sheepdog citizens with clean records, flawless background checks, and of absolutely no concern to the general public; we should be able to own an automatic rifle. The difference in magazine unloading speed from semi-auto to full-auto is almost negligible. Sure full auto looks cool in the movies, but as I understand it, the real professionals keep their weapons on semi-auto select fire, rather than full auto. Unless they fully intend to go into spray & pray mode.
As I understand the law here so far, I can purchase an AR-15 as a restricted firearm. This would theoretically allow me a 10 round mag (restricted + centre fire like a pistol) – but I think most available mags are 5/30. This I find a little embarrassing when I talk with American brothers in the self-sufficiency world.
However, an AK-47 is outright prohibited due to government bias & prejudice, even though the barrel length & overall length would make this historic piece non-restricted. And it’s not even a ‘black’ rifle which is the media’s normal yardstick for determining how dangerous a firearm is. Maybe it’s the banana clip….
I want to do a test with my non gun-owning friends. I’ll hold a wooden stock 30-30, .308, 30-06, or .300 in one hand, and a blacked out Ruger 10/22 with a scope in the other; then I’ll ask them which is more dangerous and deadly. Same for handguns. I’ll take a snub nose .44mag in one hand, and a black S&W M&P .22LR with a tactical light in the other – same question.
Ignorance of the general public is our biggest problem.
I guess on the bright side, all that 5-round-magazine firing will hone our mag changing skills like nothing other. Not a bad skill to have when the proverbial zombie hordes show up and you suddenly dig-up some 30-rounders. In all seriousness again – how arbitrary is that 5-round number? Does the government own a magazine distributorship and want to make more money off of us selling us 5/30 mags?
Hmmm, sure looks like I’ll have to check out those Minis then.
Sure an AR would be cool, but by my calculations, I can get a lot more bang for my buck with other stuff. Then again, if I don’t get one now – Trudeau will be doing his damnedest to prohibit them in the future.
I can buy a crate of SKSs with enough ammo for a platoon – all non-restricted. But an AR with more than 5 rounds in the mag, or any AK at all – prohibited and labelled extremist for even having a fleeting interest in it. Neither of these scenarios would make any difference in my strict adherence to the firearm laws or the fact I am of no danger to myself or society. Interesting eh?
But somehow we got rid of the log gun registry. I wonder how many regular gun owners that POS legislation caused to sell their guns at bargain basement prices. Some lefty will bring it back though.
I still subscribe to the “use it or lose it” mentality. The more gun owners we have here in Canada, the more people who will fight incursions since it is now their property that the government is attempting to interfere with.
From the looks of things, it appears that the CSSA and CFA are there fighting on our side. Do you have an opinion of them or support either? I’m thinking of supporting at least one.
Cheers!, -Andrew
I have not contributed to either of those organizations so far but have also been considering a membership in one or the other. We gun owners, if want to remain as such should be supporting a unified voice to our government. I have written a few letters myself and voiced my support to trash the long gun abomination…I mean registry.
Like most Canadians, I’m not made of money so purchasing a fancy semi-auto “black” rifle doesn’t exactly top my list of gun purchases either. I would however love to get my hands on a good used Mini-14. I am hoping to add one to my collection in the next couple of years. But, right now I would like purchase a defender style pump or SA shotgun to compliment my 26″ barrel 870. A reasonably priced handgun will be next. I do not currently own any restricted firearms but am licensed to do so. My hunting rifles and shotgun are good enough for the moment, but I have been bitten by the bug and more firearms will be purchased. I will use my wife’s excuse that a girl can’t have too many dresses or shoes…well a boy can’t have too many guns and accessories either!!
Cal
The CSSA really stepped up on this. The CFA seems to have jumped all over the minimum mandatory sentencing thing.
I will have to check out that Mini-14. Can never have too much education and knowledge.
Me, I have submitted my restricted PAL. A quality 9mm is likely on the horizon – something I can take on some further training courses. Also, the Russian Tokarev TT in 7.62×25 looks like a fun one. Cheap gun and cheap ammo. That round is a hot one and amazingly fast vs the 9×19.
For inexpensive, the other Russian ones look interesting: SKS, SVT, Mosin Nagant.
But in reality I would need a 12ga., .22LR, and something hunting say .30-06 or .308
I’ve been eyeing up the Ruger SR9 9mm and the IWI Baby Eagle in 9mm as well…both are just dead sexy little auto’s. Wanstalls appears to have some in stock. Saw those Tokarevs…interesting for sure. I think if I was going to pick a cheapo…I would rather go for the Norinco 1911A1’s…tried and true design and I’ve heard the Norinco 1911 is pretty solid…but whatever the case it’s a heck of a price for a .45ACP and down right theft for those Tokarevs!!
As a side note, I contacted Wanstalls to find out if they had a layaway option…I figured no one did that anymore, but they do!! Min 25% down and the balance paid in 60 days; definitely doable for anyone without scads of cash lying around and not wanting to rack the ol’ Visa card.
I’m torn between buying a new shotgun this spring or a dead sexy lil’ automatic…decisions, decisions!! Hhhmmmmm…………………….
Cal
I’ve had my eye on the S&W M&P 9mm range kit. Pistol, holster, double mag pouch, speed loader, locking case. Basically the same fine firearm but with everything I will need for a few handgun courses.
Yes, the Norinco 1911 does look like a great deal; sometimes I see it packaged with ammo for a better deal. I love the classic 1911 design, but couldn’t justify a higher end one that costs the same as a M&P 9 + Norinco + Tokarev…
Never heard of Wanstalls – I guess I’ll have to check them out.
Oh the decisions to be made!
I keep seeing the S&W/M&P .40 with range kit and the extra goodies too…very tempting. Ammo is slightly more expensive than 9mm by a couple bucks per 50rd box in most places.
Speaking of ammo…reloading. Would like to learn that one as well. Its a small to medium-ish investment in equipment and supplies but would save you hundreds or even thousands down the line.
Way back in…I guess it was ’97 or ’98 I did the CORE program through Wanstalls in Maple Ridge and when I upgraded from my Possession Only License to the PAL/RPAL in 2011, I did it through them again. They have a great website and their store is a small gun addicts paradise!
Very friendly and knowledgeable staff.
I will definitely be purchasing from them this year. I still have a 10% discount on my first purchase coming to me as well for taking the course through them.
The .40 is of interest, especially since you can get 9mm parts that are interchangeable. From what I’ve researched though, if it’s just a 9mm design made bigger for the .40, then the durability of the unit is suspect. No 10,000 rounds going through it or anything. Essentially because of the pressures and stress of the round.
But if the .40 is purpose built for that round, and then we install a 9mm barrel – then the opposite should be true. I do like the idea of modularity and barrel interchanges.
Reloading and lead casting fascinates me. I think hunting game such as deer, elk, moose, etc. should be done with the pro rounds (likely more accurate). But target practice, training, drills, plinking, etc. can be done inexpensively. Also, even though you will definitely save money – I think it’s a great skill that teaches you to pay attention and really be present when you’re doing the work.
Sounds like I definitely have to check that Wanstalls place in Maple Ridge out.
Hahaha!! If you ever get to enforce the law on those commercial vehicles…go easy eh? I’m an instructor for a large commercial driving school. I could share a few thoughts, insights and experiences over my 20 years in the transport industry if you were interested.
Cal
Hehe I’m an eight-year survivor of River road container-clown traffic. Yellow lights mean nothing, fresh red means speed up, stale red means honk.
If they do stop, it’s after smoking the trailer’s tires – gotta turn that brake bias so you’re on 100% trailer brakes. Don’t want to use the cab brake that you pay for yourself.
And the yard-sale of loose parts on the side of the road – yikes!!
A further update to this topic.
I received an email from a good friend of mine that contained a letter being drafted to his MP. The subject is the CFO office for BC and Yukon, The issue is unreasonable wait times for restricted firearm paperwork. As I do not currently have any restricted firearms I might feel silly forwarding the letter myself. That said, I think there is room for every firearm owner and every citizen to expect that standard government services be provided in a timely manner.
I can post a copy of the letter if anyone wants to read it, copy it, edit it and send it onto their own MP.
Cal
Hi Cal, like you, I don’t yet have restricted firearms and don’t feel that I should complain out-of-hand.
But having the form letter on here, ready to go, is a great idea.
As you said, when the time comes, I will expect a reasonable timeline for any documentation requirements.
-Andrew