We also regret the current state of affairs re: the rcmp. You'll note that like many, I choose not to capitalize their initials.
Historically, as our west expanded, the NWMP was given carte blanche to write the book on 'gun control'. They decided who could own what even then.
The iconic Canadian hero Sam Steele rode herd on the mining and railroad construction camps, maintaining the peace, which amounted to civil disarmament. This carried on into the Yukon during the Gold Rush.
After his service in the Boer war, he was seconded to the South African Constabulary where he implemented 'gun control', disarming the Boers, blacks and Chinese, issuing permits to those he deemed acceptable. In other words, he took 'gun control' to Africa.
Today, it is a tag team game between the rcmp and the gov't of the day, each pointing at the other saying - "Don't blame us, it's them."
The gov't has allowed the rcmp to make arbitrary decisions about what guns, calibres, etc. we can own. This makes instant criminals out of Canadian gun owners.
For example: -
- a .22 LR lookalike AK47 is classified "Prohibited", a crime to own one
- a 25 rd Ruger 10/22 magazine is a "prohibited device
- a .50 Beowulf magazine than can hold more than 10 .223 rds is now a "prohibited device AFTER thousands of them had been sold
- all other .223/5.56mm mags must be pinned to 5 rds
- the AR 15 is a "restricted" weapon, which must be transported in a locked case with trigger lock installed and can only be fired on an "approved range, whereas my Tavor can be shot anywhere it is legal to do so
I could go on at length with this insanity, but you get the point. None of our gun laws make any sense and are not intended to. The ultimate aim is total civil disarmament one, one calibre, one action type, one classification at a time.
Firearms ownership here is NOT a right, but a PRIVILEGE, subject to gov't whim. Now you know why the low regard for the once proud rcmp. Your second amendment is the most important part of your constitution. If it falls, so will the other parts of it no longer deemed convenient or appropriate.