The Majority of Torontonians Say a Handgun Ban Will Reduce Shootings by Gangs

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The Majority of Torontonians Say a Handgun Ban Will Reduce Shootings by Gangs

Toronto, July 10th – In a random sampling of public opinion taken by The Forum Poll™ among 1143 Toronto voters, the majority (62%) say that a ban on handguns will reduce the number of shootings committed by gangs in Toronto and four-in-ten (38%) say a ban will not..

 

Respondents who say a handgun ban will reduce shootings by gangs in Toronto include those aged 45 and over (66% of those aged 45 to 54, 66% of 55 to 64, and 67% of those 65 and over), females (69%), the least wealthy (69%) or $60k-$80k (69%), completed college or university (64%), living in the former City of Toronto (69%) East York (71%), and voting for the NDP (77%) or Liberals (75%).

 

Respondents who say a ban on handguns will not reduce shootings include those aged 18 to 34 (42%) or 35 to 44 (41%), male (44%), earning $80k-$100k (43%), with secondary school education or less (43%), living in York (51%), and voting Conservative (58%).

 

 

“The majority of Torontonians believe a ban on handguns will reduce shootings by Gangs in Toronto,” said Dr. Lorne Bozinoff, President of Forum Research. “Like most issues, however, there is a strong divide by political lines, with Liberals and NDPers saying a handgun ban would reduce shootings by gangs, and Conservatives and PPCers saying it would not.”