Canada, that's one of those countries that still has royalty on the coinage, right?
They also have a duck on some of their coinage, so that doesn't really say much for the monarchy now, does it?
Really? Is American tourism big in Toronto? (asking honestly, I have no idea)
It's a huge tourist destination for people in upstate NY. In fact, it is closer to places like Rochester, Buffalo, and Niagara Falls than NYC, which is why I started my masters degree at the University of Toronto instead of a school in NYC. Gun laws aside, it's a very nice and clean city. It has the largest China Town in North America (though I would debate that there's a China Town, so much as a general Asian population of 30%). It is also home to Canada's flagship opera company (the Canadian Opera Company) and Symphony (The Toronto Symphony). For many people -tourists and Torontonians- Toronto IS Canada. You know how some people in the US are like, "why would you want to go anywhere other than NYC?" well for Canadians (and me when I lived there), I would ask the same thing, "Why would you NOT want to live in Toronto?" Honestly, Toronto living + Texas gun laws = ideal life for me. Unfortunately, their city is ruled by socialist ass clowns who have huge egos.
Also, as a rule of thumb, you will go nowhere fast with Canadians if you treat their country as an extension of the US. They are a separate and sovereign nation. The idea that they should establish reciprocity in gun laws with the US in the same manner that Texas has reciprocity with New Mexico, is rather insulting. You're implying that they should merely capitulate to US law. You know when you get mad when Canadians involve their self in our affairs? Well, the door swings both ways.
The whole, "I should be allowed to carry my gun in Toronto" thing is rather insulting too. Canada is not the US. Your rights end at the border. Fight for the Canadian's right to carry, sure, but until that is established, don't bark at the Mayor of Toronto like he's the Mayor of YourTown, USA. Instead of demanding a right from a foreign power, suggest gently, like, "it would be nice if you allowed reciprocity with US CCWers. It would increase tourism, etc." Instead of saying why you're NOT going to Canada, give them reasons why you WOULD go to Canada.
"I would love to take in Wagner's
Ring Cycle at the COC, visit the ROM, go to a concert at the Hummingbird, visit the Hockey Hall of Fame, go the the top of the CN Tower, take a stroll in Queen's Park, but..." then mention the safety thing. There's a TON of reasons to visit Toronto. It's a beautiful city. Mention these things in an email, THEN mention how denying civil rights tarnishes the city's image.
Also, since talking with the Liberal Party about gun rights is futile at best, consider writing the Conservative Party of Canada with your concerns. They might be more receptive. Save copies of the emails you receive from the Liberal politicians who are dissuading you from visiting Canada. Email these to Stephen Harper's office or something like that. I'm sure the Prime Minister would be interested to know that certain Canadian politicians in the opposing party are driving down (and discouraging) tourism.
EDIT: One more thing. In your arguments, don't mention the Second Amendment... because that's part of America's Bill of Rights. There's no right to bear arms in the Charter of Rights. So 2A doesn't apply north of the border. However, you COULD mention that self-defense is a human right.
