Home Newsroom 2006 News releases 2006-05-17-1: Backgrounder: The Government’s Commitment to Effective Gun Control

The Government’s Commitment to Effective Gun Control

Canada’s new Government is committed to effective firearms control that targets criminals, while maintaining the highest standards of public safety.

Firearms owners will still be subject to measures that are designed to help ensure public safety, even during the amnesty period.

Thorough Background and Safety Checks

• When you apply for a licence, background safety checks will continue to be administered to screen for certain criminal convictions and incidents of violent behaviour.

• The Government is determined to strengthen measures to keep firearms out of the hands of criminals and individuals who have been prohibited from possessing them.

Safety Training

• The Canadian Firearms Program strives to reduce firearm-related deaths and injuries by requiring that applicants for a Possession and Acquisition Licence (or PAL) or for a Minor’s Licence to have an adequate knowledge of firearm laws and safe-handling practices.

• For this reason, all applicants for a PAL or Minor’s Licence must meet specific safety training standards in order to be eligible. This safety training will continue.

Safe Storage Requirements

• All firearms owners will continue to be required to store their firearms safely so as to protect public safety.

• Safe storage laws help to prevent accidents and possible access to firearms by persons unauthorized to possess them.

Licensing Requirements:

• The Government intends to move toward a simpler and more cost-effective lifetime licensing system that eliminates waste and avoids unnecessary burdens on firearm owners.

• Under this system, the police will still be able to know and verify who is authorized to own legal firearms and who is not.