Trudeau says he's 'listening' as Montreal mulls push for national handgun ban

Montreal will consider pushing for a federal ban on handguns, by citing four instances of gun violence that have traumatized Quebecers over the past 30 years.

The motion, which will be debated at city hall next Monday,says Montreal needs to demand Ottawa ramp up the restrictions inits BillC-71, tabled last March, by prohibiting civilians from possessing assault rifles and handguns.

It also asks that the federal government enhance its regulations surrounding all firearms so that "individuals who are clearly at risk" aren't able to own them.

The motion was presented by Alex Norris, the chair of the city's public security committee, and seconded by Nathalie Goulet, the executive committee member responsible for public security both members of Mayor Valrie Plante's party.

"We don't see any reason for private individuals to be authorized to own such weapons,"Norris told CBCNews."These are weapons that are principally designed to kill people."

The motion cites thePolytechniquemassacreof 1989, the 1992ConcordiaUniversity massacre, theshooting at Dawson Collegein 2006 and theQuebec City mosque shootingin 2017.

Speaking inVal-d'Or, Que., Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said there are more discussions to be had around his government's proposed gun legislation.

"We are going to listen very attentively to, obviously, what the city council in Toronto has done,[and] what Montreal might do next," he said.

"We understand that one of the fundamental responsibilities of any government is to keep its citizens safe," Trudeau said.

Montreal's motionbuilds on oneput forward by Toronto city councillast month.

That motion urgedthe federal government to forbid the sale of handguns in Toronto, and for Ontario to outlaw the sale of handgun ammunition in the city, as well.