In a series of passionate letters published on December 4, 2025, readers of Postmedia News tackled two of Canada's most contentious current issues: federal firearm regulations and provincial leadership concerning protests. The correspondence reflects a nation deeply engaged in debates over safety, rights, and governance.
Firearm Policies Target Law-Abiding Owners, Reader Argues
One letter, penned by Norm Matheis of Brighton, Ontario, delivers a scathing critique of the federal government's approach to gun control. Matheis, who identifies as a law-abiding gun owner, contends that recent firearm legislation misses the mark entirely.
He argues that the "bizarre gun grabs" enacted under the previous Liberal government were never genuinely aimed at combating violent crime. This point is underscored by his claim that other policies from the same administration gave violent criminals a "pass." The core of his argument rests on the distinction between legal gun owners and criminals.
Matheis emphasizes that individuals holding a valid Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL) undergo rigorous background checks, training, and approval processes—scrutiny he suggests is sometimes more stringent than that faced by some police officers. He asserts that the federal government will never release statistics showing how many violent firearm crimes are committed by these vetted PAL holders who obtained their weapons legally.
The letter concludes with a defiant tone, stating that the author will not surrender his firearms simply because restrictive policies are "the flavour of the month." An editor's note appended to this letter agrees, stating: "It is absolutely fair to question the former Trudeau government’s motives behind gun control measures. What the Liberals fail to realize is law-abiding gun owners are not the issue; violent criminals are."
Premier Ford Criticized for Silence on Protest Disruptions
A second letter shifts focus to provincial leadership, specifically addressing Ontario Premier Doug Ford. The author, Karen Benz of Mississauga, praises Ford for being vocal in protecting Ontario jobs but delivers a sharp rebuke for his perceived silence on another matter.
Benz expresses frustration over what she describes as "illegal pro-Palestinian protests and blocking of intersections for prayer." She states that Ford's "silence is deafening" on this issue and issues a stark warning: "If this continues, we may not have a province worth saving."
The editor's note following this letter is succinct, suggesting that "It would have an impact if Ford weighed in." This exchange highlights the ongoing public pressure on elected officials to address community disruptions and maintain public order, a sensitive topic in the current political climate.
Reflecting National Conversations
These letters, published as part of the regular Thursday letters feature, serve as a microcosm of larger national discussions. They capture the enduring tension between individual rights and collective security in the gun control debate. Simultaneously, they illustrate public expectations for political leaders to address all forms of civic disruption with clarity and consistency.
The contrasting subjects—one federal and focused on constitutional property rights, the other provincial and centered on public order—demonstrate the multifaceted nature of political concern among Canadians as the year 2025 draws to a close.
