Canadians Invited To Provide Feedback On The Canadian Firearms Program
OTTAWA, August 6, 2003 - Federal Solicitor General Wayne Easter today announced a consultation process to give Canadians an opportunity to express their views on how to improve the delivery of the Canadian Firearms Program and to provide feedback on proposed Firearms Act regulations recently tabled in Parliament.
"In the Action Plan announced in February, the Government committed to consulting the public on how we will deliver services," said Minister Easter. "We are fulfilling that commitment. Consultation is vital in our continuing efforts to deliver a cost-effective program that responds to the needs of Canadians."
The consultation process provides an opportunity to send comments on how to improve the Program. A new "Consultation" section is now available at the Canada Firearms Centre’s web site at www.cfc-cafc.gc.ca. The Consultation section allows people to review the proposed regulations and provide comments on specific elements of the Firearms Program and on the proposed regulations. Comments on the proposed regulations can also be sent by e-mail to gazette@cfc-cafc.gc.ca.
Those who do not have Internet access can find the regulations in Part I of the June 21st edition of Canada Gazette, which is available at most public libraries and at some book stores. The Canada Gazette can also be ordered from Canada Government Publishing by calling 1 800 635-7943. Comments can also be sent by any of the following methods:
- Fax: (613) 941-1991, Attention: Policy and Consultation Directorate;
- Surface Mail: Canada Firearms Centre, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 1M6, Attention: Policy and Consultation Directorate;
- Phone: Call 1 800 731-4000 (select the language of choice in response to the voice prompt, and then select option 6 from the menu of services). (Service ended as of October 4, 2003)
Several other initiatives have recently been put in place to provide faster, more streamlined program delivery. A new transfer service now enables businesses to transfer firearms to another business on-line. Businesses can also use on-line services to transfer non-restricted firearms to an individual.
"I am pleased to report that the on-line transfer application is running smoothly. It is saving valuable time for businesses and their customers, while allowing for the necessary checks to protect public safety," said Minister Easter.
More than 6.5 million firearms are now registered and 1.9 million firearm owners have obtained a licence. The CFC continues to receive firearm licence and registration applications and is committed to processing these applications expeditiously.
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Ref.:
Dan Brien
Office of the Solicitor General of Canada
(613) 991-2874
David Austin
Communications and Client Services
Canada Firearms Centre
(613) 941-5371
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