Removal of head of firearms program not politically motivated, he says
RCMP Commissioner William Elliott says facts demonstrate that the federal long-gun registry has been “useful.” But he added that he doesn’t feel it’s appropriate for the Mounties to take a position on the registry’s future because they are in the “unique position” of having to administer the Canadian Firearms Program, which includes the long-gun registry the Conservative government has long opposed. Elliott also said the use of the registry is increasing. He added, “But decisions of weighing costs and benefits is up to Parliament. We will stick to facts and not to advocacy, and we will leave it to others to advocate positions if they believe that’s appropriate for them.” He also said that the removal of the head of the firearms program, Chief Supt. Marty Cheliak (a vocal supporter of the long-gun registry) was politically motivated were “absolutely false.”