Canada is to ban imports of handguns as part of a move that could see a total freeze on their purchase and sale.
The measure, starting on August 19, is designed to hold up until parliament passes strict new rules, including a permanent importation ban.
Handguns have “one purpose only and that is to kill people”, Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino said.
The government’s proposed total ban, unveiled three months ago, follows outrage over several deadly shootings.
Unlike in the U.S, gun ownership is not enshrined in Canada’s constitution, but firearms are still popular, especially in rural parts of the country.
Credit: BBC