Bill Blair is acknowledging that the latest rash of shootings - most recently in Toronto - has touched off a sense of urgency among the public for the government to do more to keep deadly firearms out of the wrong hands.

In light of news the government is prepared to consider restrictions on handguns, could an amendment by the Senate to a proposed gun reform bill be the most realistic prospect for change?

Conservative MP Shannon Stubbs wants the government to launch a study at committee to look at rural crime.