Dawson Families Demand Gun Law Action | Montreal News

Twenty years after the Dawson College shooting that claimed 18-year-old Anastasia De Sousa’s life and wounded 19 others, families and survivors are demanding urgent action from Canada’s government. They’ve sent an open letter to Prime Minister Mark Carney’s administration, urging completion of critical gun control measures: ending the assault weapon ban loophole, closing loopholes for large-capacity magazines, and tightening handgun exemption rules. While some progress has been made — including banning many assault weapons and freezing handguns — families argue prohibited firearms still circulate due to ongoing amnesty periods tied to buyback programs. They also call for stricter national standards for sport shooter exemptions and preventing easy magazine modifications. Louise Hevey De Sousa, Anastasia’s mother, voiced frustration over the delay, especially after recent Montreal gun violence, insisting it’s time for real change. The Public Safety Minister’s office acknowledged the anniversary as a reminder of gun violence’s toll and reaffirmed their commitment to firearm control, citing over 142,000 assault-style firearms removed through compensation programs, alongside broader efforts like border security and disrupting trafficking networks. As Dawson College prepares for a commemoration, these families continue honoring Anastasia’s memory while pushing for laws that could prevent future tragedies. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/3b5a2b668cdcedf2