Canadian Firearms Program Partners

Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada — The Canada Firearms Centre and Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada work together closely to ensure the Minister, parliamentarians and senior government officials have the information necessary to carry out their responsibilities.

Provinces and Territories — Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia have appointed their own CFOs under the Firearms Act. The Government of Canada funds these operations through contribution agreements between the provinces and the Federal Government. The CFO responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador and the CFO responsible for Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia, the Yukon, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut are appointed federally.

Canada Border Services Agency — The Canada Border Services Agency is responsible for assessing and confirming non-resident firearm declarations and collecting the applicable fees, consistent with the provisions of the Firearms Act and other relevant legislation. This involves determining the classification of the firearms, establishing the destination and purpose for importing the firearms, assessing the eligibility of the importer and ensuring that all firearms are being transported safely and in accordance with the law. Once confirmed, a non-resident firearm declaration serves as a temporary licence and registration.

Department of Justice Canada — Responsibility for the Criminal Code of Canada, including Part III (Firearms and Other Weapons), rests with the Minister of Justice. The Department of Justice provides legal advice, drafting and litigation services to the Canada Firearms Centre.

Foreign Affairs Canada — The Canada Firearms Centre works with Foreign Affairs Canada to ensure that Canada’s international commitments regarding firearms reflect domestic Canadian priorities as well as Canada’s capacity to implement them.

International Trade Canada — The Centre works with International Trade Canada to ensure that importers are aware of their obligations under the Firearms Act. International Trade Canada issues permits required to export and import firearms under the Export and Import Permits Act.