A quick link showing the number of firearms per capita. The US is still winner.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Number_of_ ... by_country" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
What we do have in Canada is a licensing system that requires both training and background checks of those that would wish to be licensed (and a 28 day waiting period). So, to actually be eligible to purchase a gun you have to jump through some hoops, and I think that dissuades many people making the effort.
Also, handguns are very regulated and must be registered (along with prohibited weapons, which can only be owned by a select few collectors). You need a permit just to transport one from your home to the shooting range. Yet, people are shot with those things often enough in some of our larger cities.
Additionally, the firearm licensing apparatus is country wide. So no popping over to the next province with less stringent laws on the books to buy something you can't get at home.
EDIT: thought I'd mention that there are strict laws concerning storage and access to all firearms. They must be rendered inoperable, have a trigger lock, and be stored in a room or container that is locked. If the firearm is stored near ammo, then that ammo must be locked in container that is not easily broken into.
Since I'm posting, I'd like to share this link:
http://www.latimes.com/news/world/world ... 3015.story" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Crazy mass-murderers, child murderers, and would-be killers abound in the world. They all seek to do the horrendous; guns are just very efficient. And for that reason they should be ardently regulated, although I do not agree with outright illegalization.