TORONTO, April 7 /CNW/ - Toronto Mayor David Miller today launched a campaign to have handguns banned in Canada.

The campaign's centre-piece is an online petition posted on the City's website (www.toronto.ca/handgunban) which will enable Canadians from coast to coast to coast to join the call for a Canada-wide handgun ban. A print-friendly version of the petition is also available on the website for individuals and groups that wish to canvas their neighbourhoods and workplaces.

Mayor Miller is also reaching out broadly though the Internet. A short video-clip of the Mayor stating the urgency of this action is posted on the City's website and on YouTube.com seeking public support for the ban. A Facebook group has also been started.

"Toronto continues to face unacceptable incidents of gun violence," said Mayor Miller. "These cannot be fully addressed without a total ban on handguns. Handguns are designed for one purpose and that is to kill people and have no place in our society. Statistics show that in jurisdictions with gun bans, supply is limited and shootings are less common.

"I call on Canadians, and especially Torontonians, to add their names to the petition and tell the federal government no more lives should be lost in this way."

Mayor Miller intends to personally deliver the petition to Parliament Hill in June.

-0- 04/07/2008 /For further information: Media contact: Don Wanagas, Office of Mayor Miller, (416) 338-7134/ CO: Toronto Mayor's Office ST: Ontario IN: SU: -30- CNW 14:38e 07-APR-08