The Conservative candidate looking to be the Yukon’s next MP was on the offensive today, questioning why the current MP missed this week’s vote on the Liberal government’s controversial firearms bill.

That’s Bill C-71, which Yukon MP Larry Bagnell has maintained does not negatively impact firearms owners.

The proposed legislation could see enhanced background checks, more detailed record-keeping by vendors and new rules governing the transportation of firearms.

That means it could require retailers to keep records for two decades showing sales and inventory, extend background checks of those interested in firearms to their entire life rather than just the last five years, and examine their medical history for any signs of mental illness related to violent crimes.

Gun owners would also be subject to more stringent transfer processes: if passed, the only time it could be automatically transferred is when it takes place between the place of purchase, the owner’s home and shooting ranges.

For any other locations (like gun shows and repair shops), a prior approval would be needed.

A number of Yukoners, including the Yukon Fish and Game Association and the Yukon Party, have spoken out against the federal bill over the last number of months in particular. Some have said Bagnell has failed to stand up for Yukoners by supporting it.

Reached late this morning in Ottawa, Bagnell told the Star his decision to skip Monday’s vote on third reading of the bill was very much a conscious one.

“It was symbolic for the people that are still against the bill for whatever reason,” he said.

This past summer, he has been able to knock on doors and meet some who support the bill and others who do not.

“That bill is important because we won the battle, that it doesn’t hurt hunters and trappers,” Bagnell said. Noting that while he still supports it, the symbolic action of missing the vote was to show the no more than couple of dozen people that he’s heard their concerns too.

Bagnell’s comments come on the heels of Jonas Smith, who was acclaimed the Conservatives’ Yukon candidate in the 2019 federal election (see p. 3), criticizing him for missing the vote.

“I think he should have been present and voted one way or the other,” Smith said early this afternoon, likening it to Bagnell “shunning his duty.”

In a release, the Tory hopeful demanded an explanation from the MP.

“Yukoners need an MP who will stand up and vote for them,” he said.

Making that tough decision on the bill was a chance for Bagnell to “let Yukoners know where he stands on it, and he failed,” Smith said, adding he doesn’t buy the symbolic action “in the slightest.

“I think he’s shunning his duty as an elected official to avoid taking a stand and picking a side,” Smith told the Star, noting he is disappointed but not surprised.

“He is not showing the leadership that we elected him to (show),” Smith said, adding he has not spoken to Bagnell directly.

For his part, the MP said he is well aware of the criticism: “I know Jonas has always been keen on this.

“I went to a lot of doors and a few people that still didn’t understand that and appreciate that.

“But out of respect for those people, I purposely stayed away.”

The bill is on its way to the Senate now.