In his piece, Chris Selley critiques Bloc Québécois leader Yves-François Blanchet for intertwining a speech about the Tumbler Ridge mass shooting with the ongoing French vs. English language debate in Quebec. Selley finds it astonishing that some Canadians appreciated Blanchet's remarks, which he believes risk trivializing the gravity of gun violence in Canada by redirecting focus toward political issues. While Blanchet’s sentiments about the horror of the shooting were fitting, Selley argues that it's crucial to approach such tragedies with seriousness rather than seeing them as opportunities for political leverage.

Furthermore, Selley reflects on the differences between Canada and the United States regarding gun ownership and mass shootings. He notes that Canada does not experience gun violence at the same level as the U.S., attributing this partly to the significantly lower rate of gun ownership among Canadians. The author emphasizes that while there are challenges related to gun control in Canada, the public should remain vigilant and responsive to incidents of violence rather than becoming desensitized, as can happen when mass shootings are normalized in the media.

The implications of Selley's argument suggest a need for Canadian politicians to address gun violence in a direct and meaningful way instead of deflecting these discussions into divisive political arenas. He calls for recognition of the tragedy's impact, highlighting the importance of solidarity and support for victims' families in the face of violence. This approach could foster a more compassionate and united response to societal issues surrounding firearms and violence.