Ann Davis Transition Society executive Patti MacAhonic speaks with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at federal handgun announcement Friday

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“Today, I joined Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and many dedicated advocates to announce that the freeze is now in effect,” Mendocino tweeted.

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MacAhonic was one of those advocates present for Friday’s announcement in Surrey as the federal Liberal government’s freeze on handguns went into effect.

As the former executive director of the B.C. Wildlife Federation, and now at the helm of an organization dedicated to assisting persons at risk of or experiencing violence, MacAhonic says she knew the day was coming when the sale and transfer of handguns would be banned.

“It doesn’t address the problem of handguns that are with gangs and criminals,” MacAhonic said. “There needs to be some action on that as well. I think this will protect women and children. I’ve been a hunter and an angler, I would not want this to see this continue to encroach into areas like long guns, where hunters and farmers would be impacted. We need to ensure democracy.”

In light of these separate but parallel views, MacAhonic said she brought a slightly different perspective to the prime minister.

“When I had the chance to speak with Justin Trudeau, I mentioned my diverse viewpoint, ” MacAhonic said. “I see this from two different viewpoints, that we want to make sure people are safe, and yet have democracy.”

MacAhonic said Trudeau seemed very sincere in his disposition and countenance.

“He said he appreciated very much that I came out, and he thanked me for sharing my views and my thoughts,” she said. “I’ve never met him before and I’m glad I had the opportunity. I found him to be sincere. When you meet someone, it’s a lot different than seeing someone on TV. I found him very sincere. We had that small space to have a conversation.”