Gun violence in Halifax | CTV News

It’s been nearly a week since two gunmen exchanged gunfire in an open crowd at the annual Africville reunion on Saturday night. Since then, the incident has underscored concerns about gun violence in Halifax.

“Anytime we see violence within our community that puts the general public at risk, it is a serious concern and a priority for us,” said John MacLeod, public information officer with Halifax Regional Police.

A teenager remains in hospital with life-threatening injuries after the incident. An online fundraiser has identified her as Crishiya Carvery. She and four other youths were hit by the gunfire.

While gun violence in Nova Scotia hasn’t increased significantly, it hasn’t decreased either. So far this year, Halifax police have seized 187 illegal firearms.

Public safety analyst Chris Lewis says laws, border security and society all play a role in gun violence.

“Guns and gangs are more attractive to some individuals than trying to get a job in the mainstream,” Lewis explained. “And the courts don’t take that seriously. People who have a violent past and continue to commit violent acts when they’re out on bail are being released on bail. And then of course there’s the issue of the steady flow of handguns from the United States into Canada.”

Nova Scotia Justice Minister Barbara Adams said the province has concerns, but there are programs and initiatives in place to help address gun violence.

“There are programs to protect guns from violence, as well as the federal government’s buyback program, and the gun crime prevention program that we have in the province.”

However, Lewis said this will remain a problem until laws, border security and society improve.

“If we don’t stop that, don’t have a gun buyback program, don’t have a licensing program and all those things that Canada has the strongest framework for, then none of it can work because guns are going to end up in the hands of criminals from American sources and that’s going to continue.”

He said he is also skeptical about the effectiveness of some programs.

“They’re not going to say, ‘Okay, I’ll give up my gun, I’ll get $150 and I’ll go work at McDonald’s.’ That’s not going to happen.”

As Halifax grapples with this ongoing problem, a 17-year-old girl lies in hospital recovering from the violent act. The incident should have been celebrated.

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