Head of federal gun program ousted

Tuesday, August 17, 2010 | 7:47 PM ET CBC News:

The head of the Canadian Firearms Program who is a strong supporter of the long-gun registry is quietly being bounced out of the position, CBC News has learned. RCMP Chief Supt. Marty Cheliak, director general of the program, is being sent off to French language training after nine months on the job on orders from RCMP Commissioner William Elliott, according to police sources. The Canadian Firearms Program (CFP) oversees the administration of the Firearms Act and regulations. In 2006, the responsibility for the CFP was transferred to the RCMP. Cheliak had reformed the program and lobbied forcefully, including before a parliamentary committee, for a continued long-gun registry, something the Conservative government has been determined to scrap. But Canadian police are adamant that the registry, which requires gun owners to register each rifle or shotgun, is needed to protect the lives of police officers and citizens alike. (more)