We were just talking about this in the office this morning. It seems to me that there is a fundamental difference between Canadian society and American society when it comes to guns. I know. You're thinking "Well, duh!"

I don't just mean that our gun ownership and carry laws are so different. What I mean is that our mindsets are very differnt. Most Canadians don't think about carrying a gun when we leave the house, unless we're legally going hunting or target shooting. I think that's part of the reason these shootings shock us so much. The thought of the guy beside us on the bus or at the soccer game carrying a gun just doesn't cross our minds for most part, until something happens like the recent shootings in Toronto. The average law-abiding Canadian citizen doesn't carry a gun and very likely, IMO, doesn't see a need to because everyone around isn't carrying either.

I've thought many times, about worst case scenarios, when having a gun for personal/family/home protection would be a huge advantage, but I honestly think those scenarios are unlikely, are at least are most likely to be isolated events. For me, it always comes back to this basic mentality. I just don't feel it would help me. Self defense courses, alternative weapons, locks and good OpSec are much more valuable to me when it comes to person/family/home security.

Now, if Canadian laws were to change, I might change my view.