The Liberal definition would cover firearms that are not a handgun, that discharge centre-fire ammunition in a semi-automatic manner, and were originally designed with a detachable magazine with a capacity of six cartridges or more.
However, the definition the Liberals are trying to stitch in to Bill C-21 is being framed as "prospective," meaning it would only apply to future firearms designed and manufactured after Bill C-21 becomes law, and not any guns currently on the market. However, almost as quickly as Mendicino revealed this new approach, did both pro-gun control groups and the Conservatives balk at what's been put on the table.
The government is vowing to appoint this new committee "with a diverse membership" aimed at tamping down the politicization and polarization surrounding the gun control debate within 60 days and ask the panel to report back with firearm classification recommendations by the end of August. Asked if he's expecting a different response to the government’s gun bill amendments this time, Crown Indigenous Relations Minister Marc Miller said he thinks the latest approach will answer "a number" of the concerns raised by Indigenous groups.
Mendicino has indicated that he's secured the backing of the Bloc Quebecois and New Democrats to see his desired changes to Bill C-21 pass, despite the Conservative opposition.