Justice hopes for more gun licences, looks to 2001 to finish other projects Updated: Wed, Dec 27 02:07 PM EST OTTAWA (CP) - While most Canadians are busy shopping and eating their holidays away, workers at the Canadian Firearms Centre are putting in long hours in anticipation of increased business. Only days before the year-end deadline, thousands of gun owners still had not yet applied for a possession licence, which allows them to own guns and buy ammunition. More than five years have gone by since Parliament passed legislation forcing every gun owner to get a licence by Dec. 31, 2000 and register their guns by Jan. 1, 2003. Since then, critics of the Firearms Act haven't relented. They've predicted thousands would either flout the law, or just miss the deadline because they don't know about it. But as that deadline for the licensing component looms, the firearms centre, which runs the program, is expecting a last-minute rush. Staff are available almost around the clock leading up to the deadline. As well, the Justice Department recently introduced a six-month grace period that will protect gun owners from legal trouble as long as they apply by the deadline. This controversy over the federal licensing and registration scheme isn't the only one the Justice Department has engaged in this year. The department has had to defend itself concerning changes to the Young Offenders Act, responded to a court decision striking down the law prohibiting possession of child pornography in British Columbia and tried to boost the fight against organized crime. Still, the gun issue has grabbed many headlines. As of Dec. 21, the centre had tallied some 1.8 million Canadians as compliant - more than three-quarters of those Ottawa considers the target population. But critics charge Ottawa is grossly underestimating the number of owners, adding the turnout shows the government failed to entice Canadians into complying."Once the public finds out how much money is being spent . . . how it's taking police off the streets and spending resources in areas where there's really no measurable return, they will object," Canadian Alliance MP Garry Breitkreuz, an outspoken critic, said in an interview. He suggests there are likely seven million owners across the country. However, the centre says its estimate of 2.2 million is closer to the truth. It has commissioned a survey of 6,000 people to settle the numbers debate. Sources say it's expected to put the number of owners in the 2.2 million ballpark. If there are people staying away from the program, they're in the minority, said the Justice minister. "There are probably some who will deliberately want to make a very big deal out of the fact they don't have licences," Anne McLellan said in an interview before the Nov. 27 federal election. "There will be a handful of people who I guess want their picture splashed on the front page of the paper," she added. "But the vast majority of Canadians are law abiding and they will comply with the law." Ottawa declared victory on the subject in June when the Supreme Court of Canada upheld the gun control law, rejecting a challenge from Alberta, several other provinces and the gun lobby. Meanwhile, many lobbyists in the justice field are hoping the re-election of Liberals means major projects that failed to materialize in 2000 will be a priority in 2001. Some hope in particular that there won't be a major shake-up in cabinet. "That's probably a good thing for us because it gives the continuity," said David Griffin of the Canadian Police Association. "So we can pick up where we've left off. . . . there was a lot left on the table and we would hope next year would be more productive." While Liberals were applauded for many initiatives this year, they will have to answer to Parliament for failing to fulfil some of their promises in the last mandate. Top among those concern changes to the Young Offenders Act, a long overdue piece of legislation that died - for the second time under Liberal watch - with the fall election. After the latest version of the youth justice act was introduced, it was condemned by many as too soft on young criminals and far too complicated. But the last nail in the bill's coffin was the staunch opposition it sparked in Quebec - which felt the legislation was too harsh. Justice officials say they're still committed to the bill. "The minister has been very clear about this government's commitment to the passage of youth justice legislation," said spokeswoman Farah Mohamed. "Canadians . . . support our approach, the Bloc should respect the views of Canadians, abandon their damaging filibuster and allow us to move ahead." Justice also had to answer to Quebec over the insidious spread of gangs in the province. The issue came to a head when a prominent Quebec crime journalist was shot several times outside his office in September in what police called an attempt on his life. Some said Ottawa should outlaw membership in gangs by invoking the Constitution's notwithstanding clause to suspend freedom of association rights for gang members. Others wanted more practical changes. "There's a lot of talk . . . but we keep hearing from the officers on the front lines they're not seeing any visible signs of support," said Griffin of the police association In their election platform, the Liberals promised to put more money into fighting organized crime, review and strengthen anti-gang laws, and introduce measures that will make it easier to prosecute gang members. Critics will be watching closely in 2001 to see if those promises come through. They'll also be watching as the Supreme Court of Canada enters its 12th month of deliberations on laws prohibiting possession of child pornography. McLellan was criticized for choosing the legal route to overturn a B.C. judge's decision striking down the law in the province. Many, including some Liberals, wanted the government to use the notwithstanding clause instead. The department says it's ready for any eventuality. But if the court rules against Ottawa, the department will no doubt suffer severe criticism.While Justice was criticized over the year for what it hasn't done, some were pleased with initiatives that were passed, or at least introduced, in the Commons.Legislation that extended benefits reserved for heterosexual couples to same-sex pairs was passed. Lobbyists also like two bills introduced that died on the order paper: one would have imposed stiff penalties for disarming a police officer and for cruelty to animals. Another would have introduced harsher penalties for stalking and home invasion and clarified ministerial review of wrongful convictions. Many also applauded the government for approving of a private member's bill creating harsh penalties for those who provoke police into car chases.Another popular private member's bill which Justice didn't like was passed by Parliament in 1999, but was tied up in the Senate and died when the election was called. The bill would have allowed judges to impose consecutive sentences of up to 50 years without parole for those convicted of several counts of murder or sexual assault.