Gavin Howe
Canada has strict gun control laws, which are federally regulated. Firearms are classified as non-restricted, restricted, and prohibited. To own a firearm, one must be 18 or older and possess a firearms licence, such as a Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL) or a minor's licence. The Canadian Firearms Program (CFP) oversees firearms licences and registration, maintains safety training standards, and assists law enforcement agencies. The country has a long history of gun control, dating back to the early days of Confederation, and the government has continued to strengthen gun control laws in recent years, including prohibiting certain makes and models of firearms.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Firearm classes | Non-restricted, restricted, and prohibited |
| Firearm registration | Required since 2001; automatic firearms registration since 1951 |
| Firearm licence | Required since 1995; minors 12-17 may procure a minor's licence |
| Firearm acquisition certificate (FAC) | Required since 1979; not eligible for those with a record of violence or treatment for a mental disorder |
| Firearm transfer | Illegal transfer of a prohibited weapon carries a prison term of up to 10 years |
| Firearm transportation | Restricted by federal law; requires an Authorization to Transport (ATT) |
| Firearm magazine capacity | Restricted to 5 rounds for semi-auto rifles and 10 rounds for pistols and handguns |
| Firearm prohibition | Over 1,500 models of assault-style firearms and certain components are prohibited |
| Firearm safety | The Canadian Firearms Program (CFP) maintains national firearm safety training standards and enhances public safety |
| Firearm laws and violence | The Government of Canada is strengthening gun laws to prioritize public safety and address gun violence |
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What You'll Learn
Firearm classifications
Canada's firearms laws classify firearms into three categories: non-restricted, restricted, and prohibited.
Non-restricted firearms
Most common rifles and shotguns are non-restricted. Hunting rifles and shotguns are considered non-restricted firearms. However, to possess them, a firearms acquisition certificate (FAC) is required. Minors aged 12 to 17 can obtain a minor's licence, which allows them to borrow a non-restricted firearm without supervision and purchase ammunition. In special cases, children under 12 may be granted a minor's licence if they need a non-restricted firearm for hunting or trapping, usually in remote, indigenous communities that rely on subsistence hunting.
Restricted firearms
Restricted firearms include handguns and other weapons designed to be fired when reduced to a length of less than 660 mm by folding or telescoping. To possess a restricted firearm, one must be licensed and have an Authorization to Carry (ATC). An ATC may be granted for personal protection, profession, or target shooting purposes, provided that the individual is a member of an approved shooting club or range. Restricted firearms must be transported unloaded, with a trigger lock, and stored in secure, locked containers.
Prohibited firearms
Prohibited firearms include automatic weapons, sawed-off shotguns, and rifles. Possession of prohibited firearms is generally illegal, except for specific authorized individuals, mainly in law enforcement and the military. To own a fully automatic firearm, it must have been registered before 1978, in addition to having a current registration.
The maximum permitted magazine capacity for handguns is 10 rounds, while for semi-auto rifles, it is 5 rounds. Magazines that exceed this capacity must be permanently altered to comply with the law.
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Firearm acquisition
Firearm laws in Canada are federally regulated and severely restrict the ability of civilians to transport restricted or prohibited firearms in public. The Firearms Act divides firearms into three classes: non-restricted, restricted, and prohibited.
To acquire firearms in Canada, individuals must adhere to the following regulations:
- Age Requirements: An individual must be 18 years of age or older to purchase or possess a firearm (non-restricted or restricted) legally. Minors aged 12-17 may obtain a minor's licence, which allows them to borrow a non-restricted firearm unsupervised and purchase ammunition without purchasing a firearm. In special circumstances, children under 12 may also be granted a minor's licence if they need a non-restricted firearm for hunting or trapping, particularly in remote locations and aboriginal communities that rely on subsistence hunting.
- Firearms Licences: All firearms owners in Canada are required to possess a firearms licence. The specific type of licence depends on the individual's needs and circumstances. The available licences include a Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL), a Possession-Only Licence (POL), a Firearms Acquisition Certificate (FAC), and a minor's licence.
- Firearms Acquisition Certificate (FAC): Introduced in 1979, the FAC is required for acquiring certain firearms, particularly handguns. To obtain an FAC, individuals must meet eligibility criteria, excluding those with records of serious crimes, violence, or recent treatment for mental disorders associated with violence. There is a 28-day waiting period for the certificate, and it costs $50.
- Licence Requirements for Restricted Firearms: Acquiring a restricted firearm requires a valid licence with restricted privileges, such as the PAL or FAC with restricted privileges. Additionally, individuals must provide proof of their participation in an approved shooting club or range for target shooting purposes.
- Prohibited Firearms: The acquisition of prohibited firearms is highly restricted. A Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL) with restricted privileges allows individuals to acquire prohibited firearms only if they fall within the same categories as the firearms currently registered to them. These firearms must have been registered in Canada before the specific dates outlined in the Firearms Act.
- Handgun Restrictions: Handgun ownership is restricted. Individuals who owned handguns prior to the freeze may retain and use them but cannot acquire new ones or transfer their existing ones. Handguns can be lawfully exported but not imported back into the country. Exceptions include authorised individuals, such as those involved in shooting competitions recognised by the International Olympic Committee or the International Paralympic Committee.
- Magazine Capacity Restrictions: The law restricts the magazine capacity of handguns to 10 rounds and hunting rifles and shotguns to five rounds. Magazines that hold more rounds must be permanently altered to comply with the legal capacity.
- Automatic Firearms: Automatic firearms are prohibited for civilians, with exceptions primarily for the police and military.
- Safe Storage and Transportation: Firearms must be stored and transported securely, in accordance with the Firearms Act. This includes transporting unloaded firearms with trigger locks and storing them in locked containers.
- Authorization to Transport (ATT): Individuals can obtain an ATT to transport restricted or prohibited firearms outside their dwelling for specific purposes, such as transferring to a new owner, attending a training course, or changing the storage address.
- Authorization to Carry (ATC): In rare cases, individuals may receive an ATC, granting permission to carry loaded restricted firearms in public.
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Firearm registration
Firearm laws in Canada are federally regulated and enforced by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) through the Canadian Firearms Program (CFP). The CFP oversees firearm licences and registration, maintains national firearm safety training standards, and assists law enforcement agencies.
Firearms in Canada fall into three classes: non-restricted, restricted, and prohibited. Hunting rifles and shotguns are typically classified as non-restricted, while certain firearms, such as automatic weapons and sawed-off shotguns, are prohibited. Restricted firearms require a special licence to possess and can only be transported outside the home under specific circumstances.
To legally own a firearm in Canada, individuals must possess a firearms licence. The specific type of licence depends on the class of firearm and the purpose of ownership. For example, a minor's licence allows individuals aged 12-17 to borrow a non-restricted firearm unsupervised and purchase ammunition but does not permit them to purchase a firearm. A Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL) allows for the acquisition of prohibited firearms under specific conditions.
Handgun registration has been a legal requirement since 1934, and automatic firearms registration was added in 1951. In 1976, Canada introduced firearms licensing, and in 1979, individuals were required to obtain a firearms acquisition certificate (FAC) from their local police agency. Since 1995, all firearm owners have been mandated to possess a firearms licence.
The process of registering a firearm in Canada involves submitting the necessary documentation and information to the CFP. This includes providing technical details about the firearm, such as its make and model, and its classification. Additionally, regular citizens must allow firearm officers to enter their homes to inspect their firearm collections for secure storage.
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Firearm storage
Firstly, it is important to understand the classification of firearms in Canada. Firearms fall into three categories: non-restricted, restricted, and prohibited. Non-restricted firearms include most common rifles and shotguns, while restricted firearms refer to those that are licensed for specific purposes or occupations. Prohibited firearms include automatic weapons, sawed-off shotguns and rifles, and certain assault-style firearms.
When it comes to storage, all firearms in Canada must be securely stored to prevent unauthorized access. The specific requirements for safe storage practices are outlined by the Canadian Firearms Program (CFP) under the Firearms Act. These guidelines ensure that firearms are kept in a secure location, such as a locked cabinet or safe, and that they are unloaded with appropriate safety mechanisms in place, such as trigger locks.
Individuals who possess firearms are responsible for ensuring their safe storage. This includes keeping them out of reach of children and unauthorized users. Firearm owners are also required to take necessary precautions to prevent theft or misuse. The law allows firearm officers to conduct warrantless searches of premises and vehicles if they have reasonable grounds to believe that undocumented or illegally possessed weapons are present.
In addition to safe storage practices, there are specific regulations for the transportation of firearms. Section 17 of the Firearms Act prohibits the possession of restricted or prohibited firearms outside of a dwelling or authorized location. However, individuals may obtain an Authorization to Transport (ATT) to move firearms for specific purposes, such as transferring ownership or attending a training course. When transporting firearms, they must be unloaded, equipped with trigger locks, and stored in secure, locked containers.
It is important to note that the storage and transportation requirements may vary depending on the class of firearm and the specific regulations outlined by the CFP. Proper education and adherence to these guidelines are crucial to ensure compliance with the law and to promote responsible firearm ownership in Canada.
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Firearm transfer
Canada has strict laws governing the transfer of firearms, which are designed to keep the country safe for residents and visitors. The transfer of firearms in Canada is subject to several conditions and regulations. Here is an overview of the key points regarding firearm transfers:
Eligibility and Requirements:
- Age Requirement: The minimum age to possess or receive a firearm through transfer in Canada is 18 years. Minors aged 12-17 may obtain a minor's licence, which allows them to borrow a non-restricted firearm without supervision and purchase ammunition, but they cannot own a firearm.
- Licence and Certificates: All firearm owners in Canada are required to possess a valid firearms licence, such as a PAL or a possession-only licence (POL). Additionally, certain firearms, like handguns, require a registration certificate and a permit to carry them.
- Restricted Firearms: To acquire a restricted firearm, such as a handgun, individuals must meet specific exemptions in the Firearms Act. This includes holding an authorization to carry or meeting prescribed criteria related to training or competing in specific shooting disciplines.
- Prohibited Firearms: The transfer of prohibited firearms, such as automatic weapons and certain assault-style firearms, is highly restricted. These weapons are typically limited to law enforcement and the military.
Transfer Procedures:
- Transfer Conditions: When transferring a firearm, the transferor must comply with specific conditions. This includes providing the Registrar with their name, licence number, the registration certificate number, and the transferee's information.
- Receipt and Documentation: The transferor must obtain a receipt from the transferee, including the date of transfer and a description of the firearm. Additionally, the transferor must ensure they have all the necessary registration certificates and authorizations for the transfer.
- Transportation: Firearms must be transported unloaded and securely locked during transfers. Section 17 of the Firearms Act prohibits possessing restricted or prohibited firearms outside of specific locations, with exceptions for authorised transportation to a new owner, a training course, repair shop, etc.
- Import and Export: Importing and exporting firearms to and from Canada requires permits and proper documentation. Visitors to Canada are prohibited from importing prohibited firearms and weapons. All firearms must be declared to border services officers, and proper storage and transportation methods must be followed.
Penalties and Restrictions:
- Penalties: The illegal possession or transfer of prohibited or restricted firearms carries significant penalties. These offences can result in prison terms of up to 10 years and 5 years, respectively. Possessing a firearm in violation of a court order can also lead to a prison term of up to 10 years.
- Restrictions: Firearm transfers are restricted for individuals with a history of violent crimes or specific mental health disorders. Courts have the discretion to prohibit individuals from possessing firearms for safety reasons, even without a criminal record.
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Frequently asked questions
Firearms in Canada are classified as "non-restricted", "restricted", and "prohibited".
Firearms with a bore diameter of 20 mm or greater and firearms capable of discharging a projectile with muzzle energy greater than 10,000 joules are prohibited. The government also prohibits certain makes and models of firearms, including assault-style firearms.
To obtain a firearm in Canada, an individual must be 18 years of age or older and possess a valid firearms licence. Minors aged 12-17 may obtain a minor's licence, which allows them to borrow a non-restricted firearm unsupervised but does not permit purchasing firearms.
The penalties for violating firearm laws in Canada vary depending on the nature of the offence. Illegal possession or transfer of a prohibited weapon can result in a prison term of up to 10 years. Possessing a firearm in violation of a court order carries a similar penalty of up to 10 years in prison.
The Canadian Firearms Program (CFP) oversees firearms licences, registration, and safety training standards. The law allows firearm officers to inspect firearms collections in homes to ensure secure storage. The CFP also provides guidelines for safe practices in storing, transporting, and displaying firearms.
