1977 Criminal Law Amendment Act in Canada which required a firearms acquisition certificate for purchase, increased registration requirements, prohibited automatic weapons, sawed -off shot guns and rifles and increased penalties for firearm related crime. Major provisions effective in 1979. Rates per 100,000 for violent crime, suicide, accidental death divided in to gun and non-gun categories. No change in homicide and suicide rates. The author concludes that there was no impact of legislation on the rate of violent crime or gun-related violent crime in Canada.
Study uses total U.S. rates to adjust for secular trends in various outcomes.
Evaluating the entire country could mask regional changes. More rigorous time series analysis adjusting for confounding variables is necessary to determine law's effects. Strict regulations govern the purchase, ownership, and carrying of firearms in Vancouver. Concealed weapons are not permitted in Vancouver, a restricted weapons permit is required for handgun purchase, and self defense is not a valid reason for handgun purchase. King County allows legal purchase of handguns for self-defense and concealed weapon permits are easily obtainable.