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. The difference in the rate of suicide by firearms was offset by a 1.5 fold higher rate of suicide by other means in the Vancouver area. Restricting access to handguns may be associated with a decreased rate of suicide for certain segments of the population. The two cities were similar in size, geography, unemployment rates, education and income.