The Government of Canada has determined that further control of explosives is necessary to reduce the risk of terrorist acts. What follows is a preview of the changes that will take effect in the coming months. You will be receiving more details as they become available.

Why are the changes being made?

• The Government of Canada believes the threat from international terrorism is real and must be taken seriously.


• In light of this threat, the Government is now acting to upgrade security throughout the nation and is giving special attention to materials that could be of use to terrorists.


• Explosives are the terrorist’s weapon of choice. The attacks on the Bali discotheque in 2002, the Madrid train stations in 2004, and the London transit system in 2005 were all carried out with common explosives. Some 450 people were murdered in these bombings.

What will the changes affect?

A review undertaken by the Explosives Regulatory Division (ERD) identified five key areas in which further control is necessary to provide adequate security to Canadians:

• People with access to explosives


• Importation, exportation, and manufacture of explosives


• Precursors (materials that can be used to produce explosives):


• ammonium nitrate


• sodium nitrate


• potassium nitrate


• nitric acid (68% or greater)


• hydrogen peroxide (30% or greater)


• sodium chlorate


• potassium chlorate


• potassium perchlorate


• Transportation of explosives


• Storage of explosives

Preserving our open society

The Government of Canada is committed to ensuring maximum public protection while minimizing disruptions in our way of life.

For more information, please contact us.