Highlights of Canada's Firearms Laws
The main purpose of the Firearms Act and its supporting regulations is
to keep firearms out of the hands of people who are likely to be a danger to
themselves or to others. The Criminal Code and its supporting regulations
define a firearm for the purposes of the Firearms Act, and set out
penalties for the illegal possession and misuse of a firearm.
Licence Requirements
Businesses and individuals need a valid firearms licence to be able to
possess (own, borrow or store) a firearm in Canada. They must keep their licence
up to date and renew it before the expiry date if they possess firearms.
Individuals must be at least 18 years old to get a licence that will allow
them to own or to acquire a firearm. Minors aged 12 to 17 can get a minors'
licence that will allow them to possess a non-restricted rifle or shotgun, but a
licensed adult must be responsible for the firearm.
The Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL) is the only licence now
available to new applicants over 18 years old. An existing Possession-Only
Licence can be renewed, but new ones are not being issued.
Applicants for a PAL or a Minors' Licence must meet specific training
requirements in the safe use and handling of a firearm.
All licence applicants must pass a public-safety check. A computer link
between the Canadian Firearms Information System (CFIS) and the national police
database helps to speed up the process and allows for continuous checks of
licence holders. As part of the background check, spouses and common-law
partners with whom a PAL applicant has lived within the previous two years may
be notified of the application to find out if they have any concerns about their
own or someone else's safety.
Registration Requirements
All firearms must have a valid Canadian registration certificate. To be able
to register a firearm, an applicant must be at least 18 years old and have a
valid firearms licence allowing them to possess that class of firearm.
Owners of restricted and prohibited firearms that were registered in the
former Restricted Weapons Registration System (RWRS) were required to
re-register their firearms in CFIS by January 1, 2003, to update the
information and link it to their licence.
A registration certificate issued under the Firearms Act does not have
to be renewed unless the firearm is modified in a way that changes its class.
When a firearm changes ownership, it will be registered to the new owner as part
of transfer process. When someone borrows a firearm, they must also borrow the
registration certificate for that firearm.
Requirements for Non-residents
Non-residents who wish to bring a firearm to Canada and who are at least 18
years old can meet Canada's licence and registration requirements by filling
out the Non-Resident Firearms Declaration and having it confirmed by a customs
officer. A confirmed declaration serves as a temporary licence and registration
certificate for the firearm being imported. Non-residents also have the option
of obtaining a PAL and registering their firearms in Canada.
Storage, Display and Transportation of Firearms
The regulations supporting the Firearms Act set out specific rules for
storing, transporting and displaying firearms safely to deter loss, theft and
accidents. Provinces may have additional regulatory requirements.
For More Information or Application Forms
Call 1 800 731-4000 or visit the Canada Firearms Centre's web site at www.cfc-cafc.gc.ca.
Revised January 2004
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