Liberal gun-control bill headed to Senate

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OTTAWA — Almost a year after its introduction, MPs have passed a gun-control bill that would cement restrictions on handguns, increase penalties for firearm trafficking and try to curb homemade ghost guns.

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The legislation, which now heads to the Senate, also includes a ban on assault-style firearms that would apply once the bill comes into force.

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The government bill passed 207 to 113 with the support of Liberal, NDP, Bloc Quebecois and Green members of Parliament.

The Conservatives oppose the legislation, saying it penalizes law-abiding firearm owners instead of targeting criminal gun violence.

Objections from the Tories and some gun owners over the initial scope of the assault-style gun ban sparked an uproar that sidelined the bill for weeks.

Under a revamped approach, the government would make regulations through the Firearms Act to ensure that guns are classified correctly before entering the Canadian market.