New rules for sale just came into effect, but the real problem are not weapons, but lack of consequences for using them

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By Peter Shawn Taylor

Chief Angela Levasseur of the Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation in remote northern Manitoba has a big knife problem. Machetes — foot-long bush knives popular with campers and farmers — have become the weapon of choice for young gang members terrorizing her 3,500-member reserve.

“Over the last two years we have seen a really high level of machete crimes committed by youth and on youth in our community,” she said from Nelson House, 850 kilometres northwest of Winnipeg. “It’s just too easy for anyone to possess a machete.” Due in part to Levasseur’s lobbying, Manitoba recently passed Canada’s first machete law. The Long-Bladed Weapon Control Act regulates the sale of any knife longer than 30 centimetres. As of last week, sales are restricted to people 18 years and older, purchasers must show photo ID and retailers must track sales.

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Based on the demands of advocates such as Levasseur, this may be only the beginning of new knife control measures in Canada — all troublingly modelled on our long and fruitless attempt at controlling guns.

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