A mass stabbing attack in Saskatchewan on Saturday left 10 people dead and 15 others hospitalized. The incident has reignited the debate over whether or not Canada should take action to ban knives, just as they have done with guns.
In the wake of the attack, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau should be asked whether or not he would consider banning knives. Our speculation is he will claim, “we need to look at all possible solutions to make sure that Canadians are safe when they are out enjoying a night on the town.” The reality is his overall stance is flawed.
So, what is the answer? Should Canada ban knives in an effort to prevent future attacks? Let’s take a look at both sides of the debate.
The Case for Banning Knives
After Saturday’s mass stabbing attack, many may be calling for tighter restrictions on knives. The thinking is that if guns are banned in order to make it more difficult for would-be attackers to commit mass killings, then banning knives would have a similar effect.
In addition, some argue that knives are actually more dangerous than guns. After all, it is much easier to kill someone with a knife than it is with a gun. Even if someone is armed with a gun, there is no guarantee that they will be able to hit their target, whereas, with a knife, all it takes is one well-placed thrust, and the job is done.
The Case Against Banning Knives
Others argue that Knife bans would be ineffective and would only serve to create more problems. They point out that if someone is determined to commit a mass killing, they will find a way to do so regardless of what type of weapon is available to them. In other words, if guns are banned, and someone wants to commit a mass shooting, they will simply use bombs instead. And if bombs are banned, they will use knives. And so on and so forth.
Or maybe since they are bad guys, they will use illegal weapons anyway?
At the end of the day, it’s up to each individual country to decide which course of action to take in the wake of a tragedy. Some will argue that Knife bans are the way to go, while others will insist that such measures would be ineffective. What do you think? Should Canada ban knives in an effort to prevent future attacks? Or would such a ban simply be pointless?