Debate resurfaces following Yonge Street shooting death

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Mayor David Miller is calling for an end to private handgun ownership in Canada in the wake of the shooting death of 42-year-old John O'Keefe in downtown Toronto Saturday, Jan. 12.

"We don't need handguns in this country," an obviously emotional Miller told reporters Monday afternoon. "We can make the change - we don't have to accept this. We don't have to stand by and accept this after all."

O'Keefe was shot at about 1:30 a.m. early Saturday as he was passing by the Brass Rail strip club on Yonge Street south of Bloor Street. Police allege he was shot by one of two men who were earlier ejected from the club.

Two men in their early 20s have been charged in connection with the event. Miller said the possibility that the gun was legally obtained underscored the argument for a complete handgun ban in Canada.

"The fact that if it's accurate, that a fairly young man legally had a handgun, is shocking," Miller said. "Why does a 22-year-old in a city like Toronto need a gun? It's just not acceptable. I think it's time the federal government passed legislation to end the ownership of handguns in Canada."

Miller has made the point in the past and he said that it's time that handguns and public safety became an issue in the upcoming election.

"I think it's time that Canadians should make this a serious election issue," he said. "There's rumours that there's going to be a federal election this year and I think it's time to treat public safety as being on top of the list."