'Novelty' screwdriver that looks like replica handgun raising concerns
Concerns are being raised about the sale of a screwdriver that looks like a replica handgun available at a popular auto retailer across Canada.
On Aug 19, Canada will temporarily ban the import of restricted handguns as a measure to try and prevent gun violence. Originally the federal government wanted to go even further and also ban look-alike gun toys.
The 3.6 volt cordless screwdriver gun sells for $17.99 through Princess Auto stores and even though it’s painted blue and the store calls it a novelty item it looks like the real thing.
A concerned viewer saw a flyer for the item and contacted CTV News Toronto saying they felt the product should not be sold and should be removed from store shelves.
CTV News reached out to Princess Auto and asked if they have had any complaints about selling the item and if they have any concerns selling a screwdriver that looks like a handgun.
A screwdriver shaped like a handgun sold at auto shops across Canada. Heather Turnbull-Smith, Vice President, Learning & Corporate Communications with Princess Auto said, “Our 3.6V Cordless screwdriver gun is considered a novelty item. The screwdriver has been modified from the original manufacturing specifications of black to blue to further highlight the original intention and make it even less realistic.”
“From its side, the bits for the screwdriver are easily visible, further highlighting its intended use. From the front, there is no barrel. There is a keyless chuck, in place of a barrel, to place the bit. The sticker on the front indicates that the product is a screwdriver.”
Turnbull-Smith added, “Like all our products, we stand behind them and customers can return or replace anything that they are unhappy with.”
CTV News also reached out to the Toronto Police Service and Media Relations Officer P.C. Cindy Chung said, “In general, we would not recommend purchasing an item that could be mistaken for a gun or that is designed to look like a replica of a gun. This could potentially result in a dangerous situation for both officers and the person using the item.”
CTV News purchased the item to ask the public what they thought of it and many people we spoke with in Toronto had concerns about how much it looked like a real firearm.
A screwdriver shaped like a handgun sold at auto shops across Canada. “This looks very unnecessary. It almost looks like a toy, but I don't know what they were thinking when they designed this," said Zack.
John said, “I think there would be too many people that would try to use it as a gun."
Harold added, “Why would you make something that makes a screwdriver look like a handgun? It's just not safe."
Victoria looked at the screwdriver gun and said, “I really don't think this is something they should bring to market."
Hanan weighed in: “I'm very much against guns so having a product that looks like a gun but isn't, I think if I was to see someone holding it, I would freak out."
While a product that looks like a gun or toy guns could seem harmless, police say they pose a challenge because fakes look like real firearms and in a fast moving situation police need to treat them as real which could lead to tragic circumstances.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Canada's most wanted fugitive arrested in P.E.I. in connection with Toronto homicide
A suspect in a fatal shooting in Toronto’s east end last summer has been arrested in Charlottetown, just one week after he topped a list of Canada’s most wanted fugitives.
BREAKING Federal employees will be required to spend 3 days a week in the office
Starting in September, public servants in the core public administration will be required to work in the office a minimum of three days a week. The Treasury Board Secretariat says executives will need to be in the office four days per week.
Concerns about plexiglass prompt inspections at some Loblaws locations in Ottawa
Inspections are underway at more than one Loblaws location in Ottawa after complaints were filed about tall plexiglass barriers.
Plane overshoots runway at airport in St. John's, N.L., no injuries reported
Investigators from the Transportation Safety Board of Canada are headed to St. John's, N.L., after a plane overshot a runway at the city's airport this afternoon.
Poilievre unrepentant over calling Trudeau 'wacko' as his MPs say Speaker should resign
An unrepentant Pierre Poilievre returned to the House of Commons on Wednesday to pepper the prime minister about his drug decriminalization policies after being booted the day prior for refusing to take back calling Justin Trudeau 'wacko' over his approach to the issue.
Five human skeletons, missing hands and feet, found outside house of Nazi leader Hermann Göring
Archeologists have unearthed the skeletons of five people, missing their hands and feet, at a former Nazi military base in Poland.
Toddler of Phoenix first responder dies after bounce house goes airborne
A two-year-old child died after a strong gust of wind sent the bounce house he was in airborne and into a neighbouring lot in central Arizona, the Pinal County Sheriff's Office said.
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh confirms his party will support the Liberals' federal budget
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh says his party will support the federal budget, ending any speculation that the party could pull out of its deal with the minority Liberal government.
Dental care program accepting claims for 1 million seniors
Citizens' Services Minister Terry Beech says 1,200 seniors have already visited a dentist and had their claims processed by the federal government's new dental care plan.