Dave Collins and his 13-year-old yellow lab, Tucker, share a close bond in the small town of Morrin, Alta., where they reside. Morrin is situated in the rural area of Battle River-Crowfoot, known for its conservative stronghold and the upcoming byelection featuring Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre and over 200 other candidates. One of the key concerns for voters in this region is the federal government’s gun policies, particularly the controversial buyback program that has raised alarm among gun owners.
Collins, a passionate gun enthusiast for decades, indulges in making his own ammunition, as evident by his basement filled with a collection of reloading equipment accumulated over 40 years. For Collins, reloading old rifles is a way to preserve history, connect with like-minded individuals, and enjoy the outdoors.
Wearing a camouflage baseball cap, a grey T-shirt, and khaki cargo shorts, Collins proudly showcases his 12-gauge Fabarm Classis shotgun, emphasizing his disapproval of federal gun policies shared by many firearm owners in the area. The delayed buyback program has left lawful gun owners feeling targeted and uncertain about the compensation for their prohibited firearms.
In contrast, supporters of stricter gun laws see progress in federal policies but call for quicker implementation to remove military-style weapons from circulation. The ongoing debate around gun regulations has divided opinions, with rural communities like Morrin and Drumheller standing firm against what they perceive as out-of-touch government policies.
As the byelection approaches, the clash of perspectives on firearms policy in rural Alberta reflects a wider disconnect between different regions of the country, echoing similar sentiments observed in past elections. The ongoing uncertainty and discontent among gun owners in Battle River-Crowfoot underscore the importance of this divisive issue in shaping voting behavior and political discourse in the region.