In some cases, Canadian beliefs and cultural factors are seen to have been influenced by developments in American law and society and the way in which those elements are perceived by Canadians and their governments. The overall effect of American influence on both sides of the Canadian debate over gun control is that the arguments of gun control opponents in Canada often play into the hands of its supporters. Arguments which in the United States play to the fears of potential firearm customers that remaining unarmed will leave them vulnerable to crime, in Canada play to the fears of many that, without gun control programs, the US crime phenomena might spread north. The reactions of American politicians, voters and interest groups to developments in Canada have been limited, although this could change if Canada's legislation is seen as setting a precedent for the United States and one or both sides in the American debate hold up specific Canadian policies in an attempt to motivate their supporters. Footnotes