20 years after Dawson College shooting, PM Mark Carney urged to ‘fulfil firearms commitments’
Posted September 9, 2026 11:43 am.
Nearly 20 years to the day after a gunman opened fire inside Montreal’s Dawson College, killing one and injuring 19 others, the survivors and families are urging the Canadian government to step up gun-control measures.
The open letter to Prime Minister Mark Carney is asking Ottawa to ensure Canadian firearms laws “put public safety first” by banning weapons and accessories that can lead to mass shootings like the one at Dawson.
“Prime Minister, your government has made clear commitments,” the letter reads. “The upcoming anniversary is an opportunity to honour the victims of Dawson College with action — not further consultations, delays or excuses.”
Among the letter’s signatories is Louise De Sousa, whose 18-year-old daughter Anastasia was killed Sept. 13, 2006, by the gunman.
De Sousa and others are asking the Carney government to act on three commitments: complete the assault-style firearms ban and their removal from circulation; close the large-capacity magazine loopholes; and strengthen oversight of handgun exemptions.
