The Use of Firearms in Canadian Homicides 1972-1982: The Need for Gun Control

The effect of legislation on firearm-related deaths in Canada: a systematic review

“…Among 10 studies evaluating homicides, 5 observed a beneficial effect on homicide rates during postlegislation periods ( Table 3 ; Appendix 2, available at www.cmajopen.ca/content/10/2/E500/suppl/DC1 ). 23 , 24 , 31 , 36 , 38 …”

“…Regarding Bill C-51, 6 studies investigated its effect on homicide, of which 3 observed a beneficial effect; 23 , 24 , 36 1 of these reported increased use of nonfirearm methods for homicide among people aged 15–24 years. 23 Of 4 studies assessing the effect of Bill C-17, 31 , 36 , 37 , 40 1 reported a beneficial effect; 31 this study also found the raw homicide rate by all other methods decreased after legislation.…”

“…Using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale for risk of bias, 6 studies received a score of 5 (moderate quality), 25 , 26 , 28 , 32 , 33 , 35 4 studies received a score of 6 (moderate quality), 24 , 31 , 34 , 39 5 studies received a score of 7 (high quality) 23 , 27 , 29 , 30 , 38 and 3 studies received a score of 8 (high quality) (Appendix 4, available at www.cmajopen.ca/content/10/2/E500/suppl/DC1 ). 36 , 37 , 40 Using criteria from the Guide to Community Preventive Services , a score of 3 (good quality) was assigned to 9 studies, 23 , 27 , 34 – 40 and a score of 1 (poor quality) was assigned to 9 studies (Appendix 5, available at www.cmajopen.ca/content/10/2/E500/suppl/DC1 ).…”

“…36 , 37 , 40 Using criteria from the Guide to Community Preventive Services , a score of 3 (good quality) was assigned to 9 studies, 23 , 27 , 34 – 40 and a score of 1 (poor quality) was assigned to 9 studies (Appendix 5, available at www.cmajopen.ca/content/10/2/E500/suppl/DC1 ). 24 – 26 , 28 – 33 …”

“…One study did not use accurate dates of firearms legislation implementation for the postlegislation analysis period. 24 Although all studies had appropriate data sources and outcome measures, time frames and design suitability, there was variation in statistical analyses. Most studies published before 2008 had analyses with weak statistical power, failed to measure immediate or gradual effects of the law, or failed to control for societal and economic variables.…”