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Surge in violence has Toronto councillor proposing emergency gun amnesty

WATCH ABOVE: After a surge in violent crimes since Friday, one Toronto city councillor is calling for an emergency gun amnesty program to help take illegal firearms off the streets. Erica Vella reports – Jun 5, 2016

After a surge in violent crimes since Friday, one Toronto city councillor is calling for an emergency gun amnesty program to help take illegal firearms off the streets.

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There have been seven incidents across the city that have left one person dead and 10 with various injuries.

READ MORE: 10-year-old boy injured when shots fired at east-end Toronto townhouse complex

Ward seven councillor Giorgio Mammoliti said he will be putting forward an emergency motion at city council on Tuesday that would see food vouchers or money given in exchange of guns and ammunition.

“I’d like to get to the mothers and the brothers and sisters and cousins of people who know those who are hiding these [illegal] guns,” Mammoliti said.

“Do what you need to do to get a hold of those guns and don’t worry about any ramifications because amnesty programs protect people like that.”

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Toronto Police last held a gun amnesty blitz in November 2015. In total, 86 long rifles, 22 hand guns and over 8,000 rounds of ammunition were collected during a 14-day period.

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READ MORE: 86 long rifles, 22 hand guns surrendered in latest Toronto gun amnesty blitz

But Mayor John Tory said these amnesty projects aren’t necessarily the most effective way of getting illegal weapons.

“The [amnesty blitz] works more in terms of getting Uncle Frank’s old pistol from [the Second World War] turned in instead of the bad guys showing up to turn in their guns,” Tory said.

Mammoliti said he hopes to enlist the help of his fellow councillors in making the emergency motion a reality.

WATCH: Toronto has seen an upswing in gun violence over the last month, including this past weekend where the city saw three shootings on Friday alone. Mike Drolet reports.

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