The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Flin Flonners are encouraged to turn in unwanted firearms this month as part of a province-wide amnesty program designed to make Manitoba safer. Throughout June, police forces will pick up unwanted Ð and even illegal Ð guns from citizens who call their local RCMP detachment. For safety's sake, weapons are not to be taken to the police. "Many Manitobans may have a rifle or other weapon they've inherited that they have no permit or use for, but that they don't know how to legally dispose of," said RCMP spokesperson Darrell Madill in a press statement. "Such firearms are often improperly stored and can be accidents waiting to happen." Throughout the month, police will not lay charges unless it is established that the weapon being turned in was used to commit a crime or was stolen. The pick-up program will help augment a new provincial prosecution policy that seeks stronger sentences for gun crimes. As part of that policy, prosecutors, as a general rule, are directed to oppose bail on indictable offenses involving a loaded firearm. They are also called upon to proceed with charges that carry mandatory sentences. This is the first provincial firearm amnesty since 1994, when 500 weapons across Manitoba were reportedly turned in. Residents can arrange for weapons to be picked up by phoning the non-emergency number of their local police detachment. The numbers are: Flin Flon - 687-7488; Cranberry Portage - 472-3611; Snow Lake - 358-7723. Saskatchewan is not operating the amnesty program, so Creighton and Denare Beach residents may phone the Canadian Firearms Centre at 1-800-731-4000 for further information.
