The federal government is bringing forward a new bill to dismantle the long-gun registry and local gun enthusiasts are applauding the move.
On Tuesday, Public Safety Minister Vic Toews made the announcement which marks the first time that the Conservatives can use their majority control to help seal the registry's fate in the House of Commons.
The registry was established by the liberals in 1995 and has long been criticized by the conservatives.
The conservatives say the registry punishes law abiding farmers, hunters, and sports shooters, while doing little to prevent gun crimes.
The government says the registry has cost taxpayers more than $2 billion over the past 16 years.
In addition, the records associated with the registry will also be destroyed to prevent future governments from bringing it back.
"Well we know what's clear in terms of what the NDP's plan is. They want to retain these records in order to recreate that registry as soon as possible," said Toews.
In Alberta, the decision to scrap the registry is being applauded by locals.
Even Calgary Police Chief Rick Hanson says the registry has been ineffective, which puts him at odds with other Canadian police chiefs who have called it a useful tool.
At the Proline Gun Shop enthusiasts say the registry was making criminals out of otherwise law abiding gun owners.
"This was put out there to make the world a safer place and unfortunately I don't know of one self respecting criminal who decided to register his guns and that's where most of these problems are coming from," said Barry.
The RCMP and many other police forces in Canada support the registry, which they say helps on-duty officers trace the history of weapons and determine if a particular individual is known to have access to a long gun.
