Manitoba’s Struggle to Regulate Online Machete Sales Amid Retailer Non-Compliance
In response to escalating machete-related violence, Manitoba enacted the Long-Bladed Weapon Control Act on December 31, 2024, imposing stricter regulations on the sale of weapons like machetes. Despite these measures, major online retailers such as Amazon and Walmart have yet to implement corresponding restrictions on their platforms.
The legislation mandates that retailers verify purchasers are at least 18 years old, secure long-bladed weapons away from public access, and maintain sales records for a minimum of two years. Justice Minister Matt Wiebe emphasized the importance of these regulations in curbing weapon-related violence, stating, “We want to see the number of machetes being used as weapons decreased on our streets and more Manitobans feeling safe.”
To ensure comprehensive enforcement, Manitoba Justice reached out to major online retailers, including Amazon, Walmart, Home Depot, Canadian Tire, and Cabela’s, requesting compliance with the new legislation. However, as of December 31, 2024, these companies had not responded to the province’s appeals, raising concerns about the effectiveness of the law in the digital marketplace.
The province’s public safety investigation unit is responsible for enforcing the act, with penalties for non-compliance reaching up to $5,000 for businesses on a first offence and up to $100,000 for corporations with repeated violations. The lack of cooperation from online retailers poses a significant challenge to these enforcement efforts, potentially undermining the legislation’s goal of reducing machete-related incidents.
Community advocates, such as Sel Burrows, have long called for such measures to address the rise in machete violence. The continued availability of these weapons online threatens to counteract the progress anticipated by the new law, underscoring the need for a unified approach between provincial authorities and online retailers.
As machete-related violence remains a pressing issue in Manitoba, the province’s efforts to regulate weapon sales highlight the complexities of enforcing local legislation in an increasingly digital economy. The cooperation of online retail giants is crucial to the success of these initiatives and the safety of Manitobans.
Source : Swifteradio.com
