'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
Ottawa public school board, 3 Toronto-area school boards launch lawsuit against social media giants
The Ottawa-Carleton District School Board and three school boards in the Toronto-area have launched legal action against social media giants, accusing them of "disrupting students' fundamental right to education."
Several flight attendants from Pakistan have gone missing after landing in Canada
Multiple flight attendants from Pakistan International Airlines have abandoned their jobs and are believed to have sought asylum in Canada in the past year and a half, a spokesperson for the government-owned airline says.
Tipping is off the table at this Toronto restaurant
A Toronto restaurant introduced a surprising new rule that reduced the cost of a meal and raised the salaries of staff.
Rainfall warnings of up to 90 mm among weather alerts in effect for 7 provinces
Rainfall warnings of up to 90 millimetres, air quality advisories and other alerts have been issued for seven Canadian provinces, according to the latest forecasts.
King Charles calls for acts of friendship in first public remarks since Kate's cancer diagnosis
King Charles III gave public remarks for Maundy Thursday, addressing the importance of acts of friendship, following his and Catherine, Princess of Wales’ cancer diagnoses.
A Nigerian woman reviewed some tomato puree online. Now she faces jail
A Nigerian woman who wrote an online review of a can of tomato puree is facing imprisonment after its manufacturer accused her of making a “malicious allegation” that damaged its business.
Ukrainian child asylum seekers in St. John’s get class of their own
Roughly 50 children will gathered in a St. John’s classroom for the first time on Saturday for unique lessons on Ukrainian language, culture and history.
Donald Trump assails judge and his daughter after gag order in N.Y. hush-money criminal case
Donald Trump lashed out Wednesday at the New York judge who put him under a gag order that bars him from commenting publicly about witnesses, prosecutors, court staff and jurors in his upcoming hush-money criminal trial.
A fight to protect the dignity of Michelangelo's David raises questions about freedom of expression
Michelangelo's David has been a towering figure in Italian culture since its completion in 1504. But in the current era of the quick buck, curators worry the marble statue's religious and political significance is being diminished.