An Act respecting firearms and other weaponsFirearms ActFirearms199512
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20254
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F-11.6391995Her Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate and House of Commons of Canada, enacts as follows:Short Title
Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Firearms Act.
Interpretation
DefinitionsIn this Act,authorization to carry means an authorization described in section 20; (autorisation de port)authorization to export means an authorization referred to in section 44 and includes a permit to export goods that is issued under the Export and Import Permits Act and that is deemed by regulations made under paragraph 117(a.1) to be an authorization to export; (autorisation d’exportation)authorization to import means an authorization referred to in section 46; (autorisation d’importation)authorization to transport means an authorization described in section 19; (autorisation de transport)business means a person who carries on a business that includesthe manufacture, assembly, possession, purchase, sale, importation, exportation, display, repair, restoration, maintenance, storage, alteration, pawnbroking, transportation, shipping, distribution or delivery of firearms, prohibited weapons, restricted weapons, prohibited devices or prohibited ammunition,the possession, purchase or sale of ammunition, orthe purchase of cross-bowsand includes a museum; (entreprise)carrier means a person who carries on a transportation business that includes the transportation of firearms, prohibited weapons, restricted weapons, prohibited devices or prohibited ammunition; (transporteur)chief firearms officer meansin respect of a province, the individual who is designated in writing as the chief firearms officer for the province by the provincial minister of that province,in respect of a territory, the individual who is designated in writing as the chief firearms officer for the territory by the federal Minister, orin respect of any matter for which there is no chief firearms officer under paragraph (a) or (b), the individual who is designated in writing as the chief firearms officer for the matter by the federal Minister; (contrôleur des armes à feu)commencement day, in respect of a provision of this Act or the expression “former Act” in a provision of this Act, means the day on which the provision comes into force; (date de référence)Commissioner means the Commissioner of Firearms appointed under section 81.1; (commissaire)common-law partner, in relation to an individual, means a person who is cohabiting with the individual in a conjugal relationship, having so cohabited for a period of at least one year; (conjoint de fait)customs office has the meaning assigned by subsection 2(1) of the Customs Act; (bureau de douane)customs officer has the meaning assigned to the word “officer” by subsection 2(1) of the Customs Act; (agent des douanes)federal Minister means the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness; (ministre fédéral)firearms officer meansin respect of a province, an individual who is designated in writing as a firearms officer for the province by the provincial minister of that province,in respect of a territory, an individual who is designated in writing as a firearms officer for the territory by the federal Minister, orin respect of any matter for which there is no firearms officer under paragraph (a) or (b), an individual who is designated in writing as a firearms officer for the matter by the federal Minister; (préposé aux armes à feu)former Act means Part III of the Criminal Code, as it read from time to time before the commencement day; (loi antérieure)museum means a person who operates a museumin which firearms, prohibited weapons, restricted weapons, prohibited devices or prohibited ammunition are possessed, bought, displayed, repaired, restored, maintained, stored or altered, orin which ammunition is possessed or bought; (musée)non-resident means an individual who ordinarily resides outside Canada;  (non-résident)prescribed meansin the case of a form or the information to be included on a form, prescribed by the federal Minister, andin any other case, prescribed by the regulations; (réglementaire)provincial minister meansin respect of a province, the member of the executive council of the province who is designated by the lieutenant governor in council of the province as the provincial minister,in respect of a territory, the federal Minister, orin respect of any matter for which there is no provincial minister under paragraph (a) or (b), the federal Minister; (ministre provincial)regulations means regulations made by the Governor in Council under section 117. (règlements)Criminal CodeUnless otherwise provided, words and expressions used in this Act have the meanings assigned to them by section 2 or 84 of the Criminal Code.Deemed references to RegistrarSections 5, 9, 54 to 58, 67, 68 and 70 to 72 apply in respect of a carrier as if each reference in those sections to a chief firearms officer were a reference to the Registrar and for the purposes of applying section 6 in respect of a carrier, paragraph 113(3)(b) of the Criminal Code applies as if the reference in that section to a chief firearms officer were a reference to the Registrar.[Repealed, 2024, c. 30, s. 13]For greater certaintyFor greater certainty, nothing in this Act shall be construed so as to permit or require the registration of non-restricted firearms.1995, c. 39, s. 2; 2000, c. 12, s. 116; 2001, c. 4, s. 85; 2003, c. 8, s. 9; 2005, c. 10, s. 29; 2015, c. 27, s. 22019, c. 9, s. 12024, c. 30, s. 13
Her Majesty
Binding on Her MajestyThis Act is binding on Her Majesty in right of Canada or a province.Canadian ForcesNotwithstanding subsection (1), this Act does not apply in respect of the Canadian Forces.
Purpose
PurposeThe purpose of this Act isto provide, notably by sections 5 to 16 and 54 to 73, for the issuance oflicences for firearms and authorizations and registration certificates for prohibited firearms or restricted firearms, under which persons may possess firearms in circumstances that would otherwise constitute an offence under subsection 91(1), 92(1), 93(1) or 95(1) of the Criminal Code,licences and authorizations under which persons may possess prohibited weapons, restricted weapons, prohibited devices and prohibited ammunition in circumstances that would otherwise constitute an offence under subsection 91(2), 92(2) or 93(1) of the Criminal Code, andlicences under which persons may sell, barter or give cross-bows in circumstances that would otherwise constitute an offence under subsection 97(1) of the Criminal Code;to authorize,notably by sections 5 to 12 and 54 to 73, the manufacture of or offer to manufacture, andnotably by sections 21 to 34 and 54 to 73, the transfer of or offer to transfer,firearms, prohibited weapons, restricted weapons, prohibited devices, ammunition, prohibited ammunition and cartridge magazines in circumstances that would otherwise constitute an offence under subsection 99(1), 100(1) or 101(1) of the Criminal Code; andto authorize, notably by sections 35 to 73, the importation or exportation of firearms, prohibited weapons, restricted weapons, prohibited devices, ammunition, prohibited ammunition, cartridge magazines and components and parts designed exclusively for use in the manufacture of or assembly into automatic firearms in circumstances that would otherwise constitute an offence under subsection 103(1) or 104(1) of the Criminal Code.1995, c. 39, s. 4; 2012, c. 6, s. 92023, c. 32, s. 15.12023, c. 32, s. 15.2
Authorized PossessionEligibility to Hold LicencesGeneral Rules
Personal safetyA person is not eligible to hold a licence if it is desirable, in the interests of the safety of that or any other person, that the person not possess a firearm, a crossbow, a prohibited weapon, a restricted weapon, a prohibited device, ammunition, prohibited ammunition or a cartridge magazine.CriteriaIn determining whether a person is eligible to hold a licence under subsection (1), a chief firearms officer or, on a reference under section 74, a provincial court judge shall have regard to whether the personhas been convicted or discharged under section 730 of the Criminal Code ofan offence in the commission of which violence against another person was used, threatened or attempted,an offence under this Act or Part III of the Criminal Code,an offence under section 264 of the Criminal Code (criminal harassment),an offence relating to the contravention of subsection 5(1) or (2), 6(1) or (2) or 7(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, oran offence relating to the contravention of subsection 9(1) or (2), 10(1) or (2), 11(1) or (2), 12(1), (4), (5), (6) or (7), 13(1) or 14(1) of the Cannabis Act;has been treated for a mental illness, whether in a hospital, mental institute, psychiatric clinic or otherwise and whether or not the person was confined to such a hospital, institute or clinic, that was associated with violence or threatened or attempted violence on the part of the person against any person;has a history of behaviour that includes violence or threatened or attempted violence or threatening conduct on the part of the person against any person;is or was previously prohibited by an order — made in the interests of the safety and security of any person — from communicating with an identified person or from being at a specified place or within a specified distance of that place, and poses or could pose a threat or risk to the safety and security of any person;in respect of an offence in the commission of which violence was used, threatened or attempted against the person’s intimate partner or former intimate partner, was previously prohibited by a prohibition order from possessing any firearm, cross-bow, prohibited weapon, restricted weapon, prohibited device or prohibited ammunition; orfor any other reason, poses a risk of harm to any person.For greater certaintyFor greater certainty, for the purposes of paragraph (2)(c), threatened violence and threatening conduct include threats or conduct communicated by the person to a person by means of the Internet or other digital network.ExceptionDespite subsection (2), in determining whether a non-resident who is 18 years old or older and by or on behalf of whom an application is made for a 60-day licence authorizing the non-resident to possess non-restricted firearms is eligible to hold a licence under subsection (1), a chief firearms officer or, on a reference under section 74, a provincial court judge may but need not have regard to the criteria described in subsection (2).1995, c. 39, ss. 5, 137; 1996, c. 19, s. 76.1; 2003, c. 8, s. 10; 2015, c. 27, s. 3; 2018, c. 16, s. 1822019, c. 9, s. 22023, c. 32, s. 15.32023, c. 32, s. 15.4
Court ordersA person is eligible to hold a licence only if the person is not prohibited by a prohibition order from possessing any firearm, cross-bow, prohibited weapon, restricted weapon, prohibited device or prohibited ammunition.ExceptionSubsection (1) is subject to any order made under section 113 of the Criminal Code (lifting of prohibition order for sustenance or employment).
Protection ordersSubject to section 70.3 and the regulations, an individual is not eligible to hold a licence if they are subject to a protection order or have been convicted of an offence in the commission of which violence was used, threatened or attempted against their intimate partner or any member of their family.2023, c. 32, s. 16
Successful completion of safety courseAn individual is eligible to hold a licence only if the individualsuccessfully completes the Canadian Firearms Safety Course, as given by an instructor who is designated by a chief firearms officer, and passes the tests, as administered by an instructor who is designated by a chief firearms officer, that form part of that Course;passed, before the commencement day, the tests, as administered by an instructor who is designated by a chief firearms officer, that form part of that Course;successfully completed, before January 1, 1995, a course that the attorney general of the province in which the course was given had, during the period beginning on January 1, 1993 and ending on December 31, 1994, approved for the purposes of section 106 of the former Act;passed, before January 1, 1995, a test that the attorney general of the province in which the test was administered had, during the period beginning on January 1, 1993 and ending on December 31, 1994, approved for the purposes of section 106 of the former Act; oron the commencement day, was an individual referred to in paragraph 7(4)(c) as it read immediately before that day and held a licence.Restricted firearms safety courseAn individual is eligible to hold a licence authorizing the individual to possess prohibited firearms or restricted firearms only if the individualsuccessfully completes a restricted firearms safety course that is approved by the federal Minister, as given by an instructor who is designated by a chief firearms officer, and passes any tests, as administered by an instructor who is designated by a chief firearms officer, that form part of that course;passed, before the commencement day, a restricted firearms safety test, as administered by an instructor who is designated by a chief firearms officer, that is approved by the federal Minister; oron the commencement day, was an individual referred to in paragraph 7(4)(c) as it read immediately before that day and held a licence authorizing the individual to possess prohibited firearms or restricted firearms.After expiration of prohibition orderAn individual against whom a prohibition order was madeis eligible to hold a licence only if the individual has, after the expiration of the prohibition order,successfully completed the Canadian Firearms Safety Course, as given by an instructor who is designated by a chief firearms officer, andpassed the tests, as administered by an instructor who is designated by a chief firearms officer, that form part of that Course; andis eligible to hold a licence authorizing the individual to possess restricted firearms only if the individual has, after the expiration of the prohibition order,successfully completed a restricted firearms safety course that is approved by the federal Minister, as given by an instructor who is designated by a chief firearms officer, andpassed any tests, as administered by an instructor who is designated by a chief firearms officer, that form part of that course.ExceptionsSubsections (1) and (2) do not apply to an individual whoin the prescribed circumstances, has been certified by a chief firearms officer as meeting the prescribed criteria relating to the safe handling and use of firearms and the laws relating to firearms;is less than eighteen years old and requires a firearm to hunt or trap in order to sustain himself or herself or his or her family;[Repealed, 2015, c. 27, s. 4]requires a licence merely to acquire cross-bows; oris a non-resident who is 18 years old or older and by or on behalf of whom an application is made for a 60-day licence authorizing the non-resident to possess non-restricted firearms.Further exceptionSubsection (3) does not apply to an individual in respect of whom an order is made under section 113 of the Criminal Code (lifting of prohibition order for sustenance or employment) and who is exempted by a chief firearms officer from the application of that subsection.1995, c. 39, s. 7; 2003, c. 8, s. 11; 2015, c. 27, s. 4
Special Cases — Persons
MinorsAn individual who is less than eighteen years old and who is otherwise eligible to hold a licence is not eligible to hold a licence except as provided in this section.Minors hunting as a way of lifeAn individual who is less than eighteen years old and who hunts or traps as a way of life is eligible to hold a licence if the individual needs to hunt or trap in order to sustain himself or herself or his or her family.Hunting, etc.An individual who is twelve years old or older but less than eighteen years old is eligible to hold a licence authorizing the individual to possess, in accordance with the conditions attached to the licence, a firearm for the purpose of target practice, hunting or instruction in the use of firearms or for the purpose of taking part in an organized competition.No prohibited or restricted firearmsAn individual who is less than eighteen years old is not eligible to hold a licence authorizing the individual to possess prohibited firearms or restricted firearms or to acquire firearms or cross-bows.Consent of parent or guardianAn individual who is less than eighteen years old is eligible to hold a licence only if a parent or person who has custody of the individual has consented, in writing or in any other manner that is satisfactory to the chief firearms officer, to the issuance of the licence.
BusinessesA business is eligible to hold a licence authorizing a particular activity only if every person who stands in a prescribed relationship to the business is eligible under sections 5 and 6 to hold a licence authorizing that activity or the acquisition of restricted firearms.Safety coursesA business other than a carrier is eligible to hold a licence only ifa chief firearms officer determines that no individual who stands in a prescribed relationship to the business need be eligible to hold a licence under section 7; orthe individuals who stand in a prescribed relationship to the business and who are determined by a chief firearms officer to be the appropriate individuals to satisfy the requirements of section 7 are eligible to hold a licence under that section.Employees — firearmsSubject to subsection (3.1), a business other than a carrier is eligible to hold a licence that authorizes the possession of firearms only if every employee of the business who, in the course of duties of employment, handles or would handle firearms is the holder of a licence authorizing the holder to acquire non-restricted firearms.Employees — prohibited firearms or restricted firearmsA business other than a carrier is eligible to hold a licence that authorizes the possession of prohibited firearms or restricted firearms only if every employee of the business who, in the course of duties of employment, handles or would handle firearms is the holder of a licence authorizing the holder to acquire restricted firearms.Employees — prohibited weapons, restricted weapons, etc.A business other than a carrier is eligible to hold a licence that authorizes the possession of prohibited weapons, restricted weapons, prohibited devices or prohibited ammunition only if every employee of the business who, in the course of duties of employment, handles or would handle any of those things is eligible under sections 5 and 6 to hold a licence.ExceptionIn subsection (3), “firearm” does not include a partially manufactured barrelled weapon that, in its unfinished state, is not a barrelled weaponfrom which any shot, bullet or other projectile can be discharged; andthat is capable of causing serious bodily injury or death to a person.ExceptionSubsection (1) does not apply in respect of a person who stands in a prescribed relationship to a business where a chief firearms officer determines that, in all the circumstances, the business should not be ineligible to hold a licence merely because of that person’s ineligibility.Exception for museumsSubsection (3) does not apply in respect of an employee of a museumwho, in the course of duties of employment, handles or would handle only firearms that are designed or intended to exactly resemble, or to resemble with near precision, antique firearms, and who has been trained to handle or use such a firearm; orwho is designated, by name, by a provincial minister.1995, c. 39, s. 9; 2003, c. 8, s. 12; 2015, c. 27, s. 5
[Repealed, 2003, c. 8, s. 13]
Special Cases — Prohibited Firearms, Weapons, Devices and Ammunition
Prohibited firearms, weapons, devices and ammunition — businessesA business that is otherwise eligible to hold a licence is not eligible to hold a licence authorizing the business to possess prohibited firearms, prohibited weapons, prohibited devices or prohibited ammunition except as provided in this section.Prescribed purposesA business other than a carrier is eligible to hold a licence authorizing the business to possess prohibited firearms, prohibited weapons, prohibited devices or prohibited ammunition if the business needs to possess them for a prescribed purpose.CarriersA carrier is eligible to hold a licence authorizing the carrier to possess prohibited firearms, prohibited weapons, prohibited devices or prohibited ammunition.
Prohibited firearms — individualsAn individual who is otherwise eligible to hold a licence is not eligible to hold a licence authorizing the individual to possess prohibited firearms except as provided in this section.Grandfathered individuals — pre-January 1, 1978 automatic firearmsAn individual is eligible to hold a licence authorizing the individual to possess automatic firearms that, on the commencement day, were registered as restricted weapons under the former Act if the individualon January 1, 1978 possessed one or more automatic firearms;on the commencement day held a registration certificate under the former Act for one or more automatic firearms; andbeginning on the commencement day was continuously the holder of a registration certificate for one or more automatic firearms.Grandfathered individuals — pre-August 1, 1992 converted automatic firearmsAn individual is eligible to hold a licence authorizing the individual to possess automatic firearms that have been altered to discharge only one projectile during one pressure of the trigger and that, on the commencement day, were registered as restricted weapons under the former Act if the individualon August 1, 1992 possessed one or more automatic firearmsthat had been so altered, andfor which on October 1, 1992 a registration certificate under the former Act had been issued or applied for;on the commencement day held a registration certificate under the former Act for one or more automatic firearms that had been so altered; andbeginning on the commencement day was continuously the holder of a registration certificate for one or more automatic firearms that have been so altered.Grandfathered individuals — Prohibited Weapons Order, No. 12An individual is eligible to hold a licence authorizing the individual to possess firearms that were declared to be prohibited weapons under the former Act by the Prohibited Weapons Order, No. 12, made by Order in Council P.C. 1992-1690 of July 23, 1992 and registered as SOR/92-471 and that, on October 1, 1992, either were registered as restricted weapons under the former Act or were the subject of an application for a registration certificate under the former Act if the individualbefore July 27, 1992 possessed one or more firearms that were so declared;on the commencement day held a registration certificate under the former Act for one or more firearms that were so declared; andbeginning on the commencement day was continuously the holder of a registration certificate for one or more firearms that were so declared.Grandfathered individuals — Prohibited Weapons Order, No. 13An individual is eligible to hold a licence authorizing the individual to possess firearms that were declared to be prohibited weapons under the former Act by the Prohibited Weapons Order, No. 13, made by Order in Council P.C. 1994-1974 of November 29, 1994 and registered as SOR/94-741 and that, on January 1, 1995, either were registered as restricted weapons under the former Act or were the subject of an application for a registration certificate under the former Act if the individualbefore January 1, 1995 possessed one or more firearms that were so declared;on the commencement day held a registration certificate under the former Act for one or more firearms that were so declared; andbeginning on the commencement day was continuously the holder of a registration certificate for one or more firearms that were so declared.Grandfathered individuals — pre-December 1, 1998 handgunsA particular individual is eligible to hold a licence authorizing that particular individual to possess a handgun referred to in subsection (6.1) ifon December 1, 1998 the particular individualheld a registration certificate under the former Act for that kind of handgun, orhad applied for a registration certificate that was subsequently issued for that kind of handgun; andbeginning on December 1, 1998 the particular individual was continuously the holder of a registration certificate for that kind of handgun.Grandfathered handguns — pre-December 1, 1998 handgunsSubsection (6) applies in respect of a handgunthat has a barrel equal to or less than 105 mm in length or that is designed or adapted to discharge a 25 or 32 calibre cartridge; andin respect of whichon December 1, 1998 a registration certificate had been issued to an individual under the former Act,on December 1, 1998 a registration certificate had been applied for by an individual under the former Act, if the certificate was subsequently issued to the individual, ora record was sent before December 1, 1998 to the Commissioner of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and received by that officer before, on or after that date.Next of kin of grandfathered individualsA particular individual is eligible to hold a licence authorizing the particular individual to possess a particular handgun referred to in subsection (6.1) that was manufactured before 1946 if the particular individual is the spouse or common-law partner or a brother, sister, child or grandchild of an individual who was eligible under this subsection or subsection (6) to hold a licence authorizing the individual to possess the particular handgun.Grandfathered individuals — regulations re prohibited firearmsAn individual is, in the prescribed circumstances, eligible to hold a licence authorizing the individual to possess firearms prescribed by a provision of regulations made by the Governor in Council under section 117.15 of the Criminal Code to be prohibited firearms if the individualon the day on which the provision comes into force possesses one or more of those firearms; andbeginning onthe day on which that provision comes into force, orin the case of an individual who on that day did not hold but had applied for a registration certificate for one or more of those firearms, the day on which the registration certificate was issuedwas continuously the holder of a registration certificate for one or more of those firearms.Grandfathered individuals — regulationsAn individual is eligible to hold a licence authorizing the individual to possess prohibited firearms of a prescribed class if the individualpossesses one or more firearms of that class on a day that is prescribed with respect to that class;holds a registration certificate for one or more firearms of that class in the circumstances prescribed with respect to that class; andwas continuously the holder of a registration certificate for one or more firearms of that class beginning on the day that is prescribed — or that is determined under the regulations — with respect to that class.1995, c. 39, s. 12; 2000, c. 12, s. 117; 2003, c. 8, s. 142019, c. 9, s. 3
Registration Certificates
Registration certificateA registration certificate may only be issued for a prohibited firearm or a restricted firearm.2012, c. 6, s. 10
HandgunsA registration certificate for a handgun must not be issued to an individual.2023, c. 32, s. 17
Registration certificateA person is not eligible to hold a registration certificate for a firearm unless the person holds a licence authorizing the person to possess that kind of firearm.
Serial numberA registration certificate may be issued only for a firearmthat bears a serial number sufficient to distinguish it from other firearms; orthat is described in the prescribed manner.
Exempted firearmsA registration certificate may not be issued for a firearm that is owned by Her Majesty in right of Canada or a province or by a police force.
Only one person per registration certificateA registration certificate for a firearm may be issued to only one person.ExceptionSubsection (1) does not apply in the case of a firearm for which a registration certificate referred to in section 127 was issued to more than one person.
Authorized Transportation of Firearms
Places where prohibited and restricted firearms may be possessedSubject to sections 19 and 20, a prohibited firearm or restricted firearm, the holder of the registration certificate for which is an individual, may be possessed only at the dwelling-house of the individual, as recorded in the Canadian Firearms Registry, or at a place authorized by a chief firearms officer.1995, c. 39, s. 17; 2003, c. 8, s. 15
[Repealed, 2003, c. 8, s. 15]
Transporting and using prohibited firearms or restricted firearmsAn individual who holds a licence authorizing the individual to possess prohibited firearms or restricted firearms may be authorized to transport a particular prohibited firearm or restricted firearm between two or more specified places for any good and sufficient reason, including, without restricting the generality of the foregoing,for use in target practice, or a target shooting competition, under specified conditions or under the auspices of a shooting club or shooting range that is approved under section 29;to provide instructions in the use of firearms as part of a restricted firearms safety course that is approved by the federal Minister; orif the individualchanges residence,wishes to transport the firearm to a peace officer, firearms officer or chief firearms officer for registration or disposal in accordance with this Act or Part III of the Criminal Code,wishes to transport the firearm for repair, storage, sale, exportation or appraisal, orwishes to transport the firearm to another individual or business that holds a licence authorizing that individual or business to possess prohibited firearms or restricted firearms for purposes of storage for the time necessary for the individual to address a mental illness or similar problem, orwishes to transport the firearm to a gun show.Target practice or competitionIn the case of an authorization to transport issued for a reason referred to in paragraph (1)(a) within the province where the holder of the authorization resides, the specified places must — except in the case of an authorization that is issued for a prohibited firearm referred to in subsection 12(9) — include all shooting clubs and shooting ranges that are approved under section 29 and that are located in that province.Exception for prohibited firearms other than prohibited handgunsDespite subsection (1), an individual must not be authorized to transport a prohibited firearm — other than a handgun referred to in subsection 12(6.1) or a prohibited firearm referred to in subsection 12(9) — between specified places except for the purposes referred to in paragraph (1)(b).Automatic authorization to transport — licence renewalAn individual who holds a licence authorizing the individual to possess a restricted firearm or a handgun referred to in subsection 12(6.1) must, if the licence is renewed, be authorized to transport it within the individual’s province of residence to and from all shooting clubs and shooting ranges that are approved under section 29. However, the authorization does not apply to a restricted firearm or a handgun referred to in subsection 12(6.1) whose transfer to the individual was approved for the purpose of having it form part of a gun collection.Automatic authorization to transport — transferIf a chief firearms officer has authorized the transfer of a prohibited firearm or a restricted firearm to an individual who holds a licence authorizing the individual to possess prohibited firearms or restricted firearms, the individual must be authorized to transport the firearm within the individual’s province of residence from the place where they acquire it to the place where they may possess it under section 17.Automatic authorization to transport — transferIf a chief firearms officer has authorized the transfer of a restricted firearm or a handgun referred to in subsection 12(6.1) to an individual who holds a licence authorizing the individual to possess a restricted firearm or such a handgun, the individual must be authorized to transport their restricted firearm or handgun within their province of residence to and from all shooting clubs and shooting ranges that are approved under section 29, unless the transfer of the restricted firearm or handgun was approved for the purpose of having it form part of a gun collection.Non-residentsA non-resident may be authorized to transport a particular restricted firearm between specified places in accordance with sections 35 and 35.1.1995, c. 39, s. 19; 2003, c. 8, s. 16; 2015, c. 27, s. 62019, c. 9, s. 42023, c. 32, s. 18
Exception — handgunsDespite subsection 19(1), an individual must not be authorized to transport a handgun from a port of entry unless the individual holds a registration certificate in respect of the handgun.2023, c. 32, s. 19
Carrying restricted firearms and pre-December 1, 1998 handgunsAn individual who holds a licence authorizing the individual to possess a restricted firearm or a handgun referred to in subsection 12(6.1) (pre-December 1, 1998 handguns) may be authorized to possess a particular restricted firearm or handgun at a place other than the place at which it is authorized to be possessed if the individual needs the particular restricted firearm or handgunto protect their life or the life of other individuals; orfor use in connection with their lawful profession or occupation.1995, c. 39, s. 20; 2003, c. 8, s. 562023, c. 32, s. 20
Authorized Transfers and LendingGeneral Provisions
Definition of transferFor the purposes of sections 22 to 32, transfer means sell, barter or give.
Mental disorder, etc.A person may transfer or lend a firearm to an individual only if the person has no reason to believe that the individualhas a mental illness that makes it desirable, in the interests of the safety of that individual or any other person, that the individual not possess a firearm; oris impaired by alcohol or a drug.
Authorized Transfers
Authorization to transfer non-restricted firearmsA person may transfer one or more non-restricted firearms if, at the time of the transfer,the transferee holds a licence authorizing the transferee to acquire and possess a non-restricted firearm;the Registrar has, at the transferor’s request, issued a reference number for the transfer and provided it to the transferor; andthe reference number is still valid.Information — transferee’s licenceThe transferee shall provide to the transferor the prescribed information that relates to the transferee’s licence, for the purpose of enabling the transferor to request that the Registrar issue a reference number for the transfer.Reference numberThe Registrar shall issue a reference number if he or she is satisfied that the transferee holds and is still eligible to hold a licence authorizing them to acquire and possess a non-restricted firearm.Period of validityA reference number is valid for the prescribed period.Registrar not satisfiedIf the Registrar is not satisfied as set out in subsection (3), he or she may so inform the transferor.1995, c. 39, s. 23; 2003, c. 8, s. 17; 2012, c. 6, s. 11; 2015, c. 27, s. 72019, c. 9, s. 5
[Repealed, 2019, c. 9, s. 5]
Authorization to transfer prohibited or restricted firearmsA person may transfer a prohibited firearm or a restricted firearm if, at the time of the transfer,the transferee holds a licence authorizing the transferee to acquire and possess that kind of firearm;the transferor has no reason to believe that the transferee is not authorized to acquire and possess that kind of firearm;the transferor informs the Registrar of the transfer;if the transferee is an individual, the transferor informs a chief firearms officer of the transfer and obtains the authorization of the chief firearms officer for the transfer;if the transferee is an individual and the firearm is a handgun, the individual is referred to in section 97.1;a new registration certificate for the firearm is issued in accordance with this Act; andthe prescribed conditions are met.NoticeIf, after being informed of a proposed transfer of a firearm, the Registrar decides to refuse to issue a registration certificate for the firearm, the Registrar shall inform a chief firearms officer of that decision.2012, c. 6, s. 112023, c. 32, s. 21
Authorization to transfer prohibited weapons, devices and ammunitionSubject to section 26, a person may transfer a prohibited weapon, prohibited device or prohibited ammunition only to a business.ConditionsA person may transfer a prohibited weapon, prohibited device, ammunition or prohibited ammunition to a business only ifthe business holds a licence authorizing the business to acquire and possess prohibited weapons, prohibited devices, ammunition or prohibited ammunition, as the case may be; and[Repealed, 2003, c. 8, s. 18]the person has no reason to believe that the business is not authorized to acquire and possess prohibited weapons, prohibited devices, ammunition or prohibited ammunition, as the case may be.[Repealed before coming into force, 2008, c. 20, s. 3]1995, c. 39, s. 24; 2003, c. 8, s. 18; 2008, c. 20, s. 3
Authorization to transfer ammunition to individualsA person may transfer ammunition that is not prohibited ammunition to an individual only if the individualuntil January 1, 2001, holds a licence authorizing him or her to possess firearms or a prescribed document; orafter January 1, 2001, holds a licence authorizing him or her to possess firearms.Authorization to transfer cartridge magazine to individualsA person may transfer a cartridge magazine that is not prescribed to be a prohibited device only if the individual holds a licence authorizing him or her to possess firearms.1995, c. 39, s. 252023, c. 32, s. 21.1
Authorization to transfer firearm partsA person may transfer a firearm part to an individual only if the individual holds a licence authorizing them to possess firearms.Exception — non-residentsSubject to the regulations and despite subsection (1), a person may transfer a firearm part to a non-resident who is 18 years old or older and who does not hold a licence if the non-resident has made a declaration that is confirmed under paragraph 35(1)(b) or subsection 38(2) and that is valid.2023, c. 32, s. 21.2
Authorization to transfer prohibited or restricted firearms to Crown, etc.A person may transfer a prohibited firearm or a restricted firearm to Her Majesty in right of Canada or a province, to a police force or to a municipality if the person informs the Registrar of the transfer and complies with the prescribed conditions.Authorization to transfer prohibited weapons, etc., to the Crown, etc.A person may transfer a prohibited weapon, restricted weapon, prohibited device, ammunition or prohibited ammunition to Her Majesty in right of Canada or a province, to a police force or to a municipality if the person informs a chief firearms officer of the transfer and complies with the prescribed conditions.1995, c. 39, s. 26; 2003, c. 8, s. 19; 2012, c. 6, s. 12
Chief firearms officerOn being informed of a proposed transfer of a prohibited firearm or restricted firearm under section 23.2, a chief firearms officer shallverifywhether the transferee holds a licence,whether the transferee is still eligible to hold that licence,whether the licence authorizes the transferee to acquire that kind of firearm or to acquire prohibited weapons, prohibited devices, ammunition or prohibited ammunition, as the case may be, andif the proposed transfer is in respect of a handgun, whether the transferee is an individual referred to in section 97.1;in the case of a proposed transfer of a restricted firearm or a handgun referred to in subsection 12(6.1) (pre-December 1, 1998 handguns), verify the purpose for which the transferee wishes to acquire the restricted firearm or handgun and determine whether the particular restricted firearm or handgun is appropriate for that purpose;decide whether to approve the transfer and inform the Registrar of that decision; andtake the prescribed measures.1995, c. 39, s. 27; 2003, c. 8, s. 20; 2012, c. 6, s. 132023, c. 32, s. 22
Permitted purposesA chief firearms officer may approve the transfer to an individual of a restricted firearm or a handgun referred to in subsection 12(6.1) (pre-December 1, 1998 handguns) only if the chief firearms officer is satisfiedthat the individual needs the restricted firearm or handgunto protect the life of that individual or of other individuals, orfor use in connection with his or her lawful profession or occupation;that the purpose for which the individual wishes to acquire the restricted firearm or handgun is for use in target practice, in a target shooting competition, under conditions specified in an authorization to transport or under the auspices of a shooting club or shooting range that is approved under section 29; orin the case of a restricted firearm other than a handgun, that the purpose for which the individual wishes to acquire it is to form part of their gun collection and the individual satisfies the criteria described in section 30.1995, c. 39, s. 28; 2003, c. 8, s. 212023, c. 32, s. 23
Shooting clubs and shooting rangesNo person shall operate a shooting club or shooting range except under an approval of the provincial minister for the province in which the premises of the shooting club or shooting range are located.ApprovalA provincial minister may approve a shooting club or shooting range for the purposes of this Act ifthe shooting club or shooting range complies with the regulations made under paragraph 117(e); andthe premises of the shooting club or shooting range are located in that province.RevocationA provincial minister who approves a shooting club or shooting range for the purposes of this Act may revoke the approval for any good and sufficient reason including, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, where the shooting club or shooting range contravenes a regulation made under paragraph 117(e).DelegationA chief firearms officer who is authorized in writing by a provincial minister may perform such duties and functions of the provincial minister under this section as are specified in the authorization.Notice of refusal to approve or revocationWhere a provincial minister decides to refuse to approve or to revoke an approval of a shooting club or shooting range for the purposes of this Act, the provincial minister shall give notice of the decision to the shooting club or shooting range.Material to accompany noticeA notice given under subsection (5) must include reasons for the decision disclosing the nature of the information relied on for the decision and must be accompanied by a copy of sections 74 to 81.Non-disclosure of informationA provincial minister need not disclose any information the disclosure of which could, in the opinion of the provincial minister, endanger the safety of any person.1995, c. 39, s. 29; 2003, c. 8, s. 22(F)
Gun collectorsThe criteria referred to in paragraph 28(c) are that the individualhas knowledge of the historical, technological or scientific characteristics that relate to or distinguish the restricted firearms, other than handguns, that they possess;has consented to the periodic inspection, conducted in a reasonable manner, of the premises in which those firearms are to be kept; andhas complied with any other prescribed requirements respecting knowledge, secure storage and the keeping of records in respect of those firearms.1995, c. 39, s. 302023, c. 32, s. 24
RegistrarOn being informed of a proposed transfer of a firearm, the Registrar mayissue a new registration certificate for the firearm in accordance with this Act; andrevoke any registration certificate for the firearm held by the transferor.Transfers of firearms to the Crown, etc.On being informed of a transfer of a firearm to Her Majesty in right of Canada or a province, to a police force or to a municipality, the Registrar shall revoke any registration certificate for the firearm.1995, c. 39, s. 31; 2003, c. 8, s. 23
Mail-order transfers of firearmsA person may transfer a firearm by mail only if the prescribed conditions are complied with and the verifications, notifications, issuances and authorizations referred to in sections 21 to 28, 30 and 31 take place within a reasonable period before the transfer in the prescribed manner.1995, c. 39, s. 32; 2003, c. 8, s. 242023, c. 32, s. 25
Authorized Lending
Authorization to lendSubject to section 34, a person may lend a firearm only ifthe personhas reasonable grounds to believe that the borrower holds a licence authorizing the borrower to possess that kind of firearm, andin the case of a prohibited firearm or a restricted firearm, lends the registration certificate for it to the borrower; orthe borrower uses the firearm under the direct and immediate supervision of the person in the same manner in which the person may lawfully use it.1995, c. 39, s. 33; 2012, c. 6, s. 14
Authorization to lend firearms, etc., to the Crown, etc.A person may lend a firearm, prohibited weapon, restricted weapon, prohibited device, ammunition or prohibited ammunition to Her Majesty in right of Canada or a province, to a police force or to a municipality ifin the case of a prohibited firearm or a restricted firearm, the transferor lends the registration certificate for it to the borrower; andthe prescribed conditions are complied with.1995, c. 39, s. 34; 2003, c. 8, s. 25; 2012, c. 6, s. 15
Authorized Exportation and ImportationIndividuals
Authorization for non-residents who do not hold a licence to import firearms that are not prohibited firearmsA non-resident who does not hold a licence may import a firearm that is not a prohibited firearm if, at the time of the importation,the non-residentis eighteen years old or older,declares the firearm to a customs officer in the prescribed manner and, in the case of a declaration in writing, completes the prescribed form containing the prescribed information, andin the case of a restricted firearm, produces an authorization to transport the restricted firearm; anda customs officer confirms in the prescribed manner the declaration referred to in subparagraph (a)(ii) and the authorization to transport referred to in subparagraph (a)(iii).Non-complianceWhere a firearm is declared at a customs office to a customs officer but the requirements of subparagraphs (1)(a)(ii) and (iii) are not complied with, the customs officer may authorize the firearm to be exported from that customs office or may detain the firearm and give the non-resident a reasonable time to comply with those requirements.Disposal of firearmWhere those requirements are not complied with within a reasonable time and the firearm is not exported, the firearm shall be disposed of in the prescribed manner.Non-complianceIf a non-restricted firearm is declared at a customs office to a customs officer andthe non-resident has not truthfully completed the prescribed form, orthe customs officer has reasonable grounds to believe that it is desirable, in the interests of the safety of the non-resident or any other person, that the declaration not be confirmed,the customs officer may refuse to confirm the declaration and may authorize the firearm to be exported from that customs office.1995, c. 39, s. 35; 2015, c. 27, s. 8
Temporary licence and registration certificateA declaration that is confirmed under paragraph 35(1)(b) has the same effect after the importation of the firearm as a licence authorizing the non-resident to possess only that firearm and, in the case of a restricted firearm, as a registration certificate for the firearm untilthe expiry of 60 days after the importation, in the case of a non-restricted firearm; orthe earlier of the expiry of 60 days after the importation and the expiry of the authorization to transport, in the case of a restricted firearm.RenewalA chief firearms officer may renew the confirmation of a declaration for one or more periods of sixty days.Electronic or other meansFor greater certainty, an application for a renewal of the confirmation of a declaration may be made by telephone or other electronic means or by mail and a chief firearms officer may renew that confirmation by electronic means or by mail.1995, c. 39, s. 36; 2012, c. 6, s. 16; 2015, c. 27, s. 9
Importation of ammunition or cartridge magazine — individualsAn individual may import ammunition — other than prohibited ammunition — or a cartridge magazine — other than a cartridge magazine that is prescribed to be a prohibited device — only if, at the time of the importation, they hold a valid licence and produce the licence to a customs officer.Exception — non-residentsDespite subsection (1), a non-resident who, at the time of the importation, is 18 years old or older and who does not hold a licence may import ammunition — other than prohibited ammunition — or a cartridge magazine — other than a cartridge magazine that is prescribed to be a prohibited device — if they declare the ammunition or cartridge magazine to a customs officer by completing the prescribed form containing the prescribed information and a customs officer confirms the declaration in the prescribed manner. A declaration that is confirmed has the same effect as a valid licence for the purposes of importing the ammunition or cartridge magazine.Non-complianceIf any of the requirements of subsection (1) or (2) are not complied with, the customs officer may authorize the ammunition or cartridge magazine to be exported from that customs office or may detain the ammunition or cartridge magazine and give the individual a reasonable time to comply with those requirements.Disposal of ammunition or cartridge magazineIf those requirements are not complied with within a reasonable time and the ammunition is not exported, a customs officer shall lawfully dispose of the ammunition or cartridge magazine.Non-complianceA customs officer may refuse to confirm the declaration referred to in subsection (2) if, among other things,the non-resident has not truthfully completed the prescribed form; orthe customs officer has reasonable grounds to believe that it is desirable, in the interests of the safety of the non-resident or any other person, that the declaration not be confirmed.1995, c. 39, s. 37; 2008, c. 20, s. 32023, c. 32, s. 26
Importation of firearm parts — individualsAn individual may import a firearm part only if, at the time of the importation, they hold a valid licence and produce the licence to a customs officer.Exception — non-residentsDespite subsection (1), a non-resident who, at the time of the importation, is 18 years old or older and who does not hold a licence may import a firearm part if they declare it to a customs officer by completing the prescribed form containing the prescribed information and a customs officer confirms the declaration in the prescribed manner. A declaration that is confirmed has the same effect as a valid licence for the purposes of importing the firearm part.Non-complianceIf any of the requirements of subsection (1) or (2) are not complied with, the customs officer may authorize the firearm part to be exported from the customs office or may detain it and give the individual a reasonable time to comply with those requirements.Disposal of firearm partIf those requirements are not complied with within a reasonable time and the firearm part is not exported, a customs officer shall lawfully dispose of it.Non-complianceA customs officer may refuse to confirm the declaration referred to in subsection (2) if, among other things,the non-resident has not truthfully completed the prescribed form; orthe customs officer has reasonable grounds to believe that it is desirable, in the interests of the safety of the non-resident or any other person, that the declaration not be confirmed.1995, c. 39, s. 38; 2008, c. 20, s. 32023, c. 32, s. 26
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Licences, Registration Certificates and AuthorizationsApplications
ApplicationsA licence, registration certificate or authorization, other than an authorization referred to in subsection 19(2.1), (2.2) or (2.3), may be issued only on application made in the prescribed form — which form may be in writing or electronic — or in the prescribed manner. The application must set out the prescribed information and be accompanied by payment of the prescribed fees.To whom madeAn application for a licence, registration certificate or authorization must be made toa chief firearms officer, in the case of a licence, an authorization to carry referred to in paragraph 20(b) or an authorization to transport;the Commissioner, in the case of an authorization to carry referred to in paragraph 20(a); orthe Registrar, in the case of a registration certificate, an authorization to export or an authorization to import.Pre-commencement restricted firearms and handgunsAn individual who, on the commencement day, possesses one or more restricted firearms or one or more handguns referred to in subsection 12(6.1) (pre-December 1, 1998 handguns) must specify, in any application for a licence authorizing the individual to possess restricted firearms or handguns that are so referred to,except in the case of a firearm described in paragraph (b), for which purpose described in section 28 the individual wishes to continue to possess restricted firearms or handguns that are so referred to; andfor which of those firearms was a registration certificate under the former Act issued because they were relics, were of value as a curiosity or rarity or were valued as a memento, remembrance or souvenir.1995, c. 39, s. 54; 2003, c. 8, ss. 36, 56; 2015, c. 27, s. 112019, c. 9, s. 62023, c. 32, s. 27
Further informationA chief firearms officer or the Registrar may require an applicant for a licence or authorization to submit such information, in addition to that included in the application, as may reasonably be regarded as relevant for the purpose of determining whether the applicant is eligible to hold the licence or authorization.InvestigationWithout restricting the scope of the inquiries that may be made with respect to an application for a licence, a chief firearms officer may conduct an investigation of the applicant, which may consist of interviews with neighbours, community workers, social workers, individuals who work or live with the applicant, spouse or common-law partner, former spouse or former common-law partner, dependants or whomever in the opinion of the chief firearms officer may provide information pertaining to whether the applicant is eligible under section 5 to hold a licence.1995, c. 39, s. 55; 2000, c. 12, s. 118
Issuance
LicencesA chief firearms officer is responsible for issuing licences.Only one licence per individualOnly one licence may be issued to any one individual.Separate licence for each locationA business other than a carrier requires a separate licence for each place where the business is carried on.
Authorizations to carry or transportA chief firearms officer is responsible for issuing authorizations to carry referred to in paragraph 20(b) and authorizations to transport.1995, c. 39, s. 572023, c. 32, s. 28
Authorizations to carry referred to in paragraph 20(a)The Commissioner is responsible for issuing authorizations to carry referred to in paragraph 20(a).2023, c. 32, s. 28
Conditions — chief firearms officerA chief firearms officer who issues a licence, an authorization to carry referred to in paragraph 20(b) or an authorization to transport may attach any condition to it that the chief firearms officer considers desirable in the particular circumstances and in the interests of the safety of the holder or any other person.Exception — licence or authorizationHowever, a chief firearms officer’s power to attach a condition to a licence, an authorization to carry referred to in paragraph 20(b) or an authorization to transport is subject to the regulations.Conditions — CommissionerSubject to the regulations, the Commissioner may attach any reasonable condition to an authorization to carry referred to in paragraph 20(a) that the Commissioner considers desirable in the particular circumstances and in the interests of the safety of the holder or any other person.MinorsBefore attaching a condition to a licence that is to be issued to an individual who is less than eighteen years old and who is not eligible to hold a licence under subsection 8(2) (minors hunting as a way of life), a chief firearms officer must consult with a parent or person who has custody of the individual.MinorsBefore issuing a licence to an individual who is less than eighteen years old and who is not eligible to hold a licence under subsection 8(2) (minors hunting as a way of life), a chief firearms officer shall have a parent or person who has custody of the individual sign the licence, including any conditions attached to it.1995, c. 39, s. 58; 2015, c. 27, s. 122023, c. 32, s. 29
Conditions — licence issued to businessA chief firearms officer who issues a licence to a business must attach the following conditions to the licence:the business must record and, for the prescribed period, keep the prescribed information that relates to the business’ possession and disposal of non-restricted firearms;the business must record and — for a period of 20 years from the day on which the business transfers a non-restricted firearm, or for a longer period that may be prescribed — keep the following information in respect of the transfer:the reference number issued by the Registrar,the day on which the reference number was issued,the transferee’s licence number, andthe firearm’s make, model and type and, if any, its serial number; andthe business must, unless otherwise directed by a chief firearms officer, transmit any records containing the information referred to in paragraph (a) or (b) to a prescribed official if it is determined that the business will cease to be a business.Destruction of recordsThe prescribed official may destroy the records transmitted to them under paragraph (1)(c) at the times and in the circumstances that may be prescribed.2019, c. 9, s. 7
Different registered ownerAn individual who holds an authorization to carry or authorization to transport need not be the person to whom the registration certificate for the particular prohibited firearm or restricted firearm was issued.
Registration certificates and authorizations to export or importThe Registrar is responsible for issuing registration certificates for prohibited firearms and restricted firearms and assigning firearms identification numbers to them and for issuing authorizations to export and authorizations to import.1995, c. 39, s. 60; 2012, c. 6, s. 19
FormA licence or registration certificate must be issued in the prescribed form — which form may be in writing or electronic — or in the prescribed manner, and include the prescribed information, including any conditions attached to it.Form of authorizationsAn authorization to carry, authorization to transport, authorization to export or authorization to import may be issued in the prescribed form — which form may be in writing or electronic — or in the prescribed manner, and include the prescribed information, including any conditions attached to it.Condition attached to licenceAn authorization to carry or authorization to transport may take the form of a condition attached to a licence.Automatic authorization to transportAn authorization to transport referred to in subsection 19(1.1), (2.1), (2.2) or (2.3) must take the form of a condition attached to a licence.BusinessesA licence that is issued to a business must specify each particular activity that the licence authorizes in relation to firearms, cross-bows, prohibited weapons, restricted weapons, prohibited devices, ammunition or prohibited ammunition.1995, c. 39, s. 61; 2003, c. 8, s. 38; 2015, c. 27, s. 132019, c. 9, s. 8
Not transferableLicences, registration certificates, authorizations to carry, authorizations to transport, authorizations to export and authorizations to import are not transferable.
Geographical extentLicences, registration certificates, authorizations to transport, authorizations to export and authorizations to import are valid throughout Canada.[Repealed, 2003, c. 8, s. 39]Authorizations to carryAuthorizations to carry referred to in paragraph 20(a) are not valid outside the geographic area set in the authorization by Commissioner. Authorizations to carry referred to in paragraph 20(b) are not valid outside the province in which they are issued.1995, c. 39, s. 63; 2003, c. 8, s. 392023, c. 32, s. 30
Term
Term of licencesA licence that is issued to an individual who is eighteen years old or older expires on the earlier offive years after the birthday of the holder next following the day on which it is issued, andthe expiration of the period for which it is expressed to be issued.Extension periodDespite subsection (1), if a licence for firearms is not renewed before it expires, the licence is extended for a period of six months beginning on the day on which it would have expired under that subsection.No use or acquisitionThe holder of a licence that is extended under subsection (1.1) must not, until the renewal of their licence, use their firearms or acquire any firearms, ammunition or cartridge magazines.Authorizations — no extensionThe extension of a licence under subsection (1.1) does not result in the extension of any authorization to carry or authorization to transport beyond the day on which the licence would have expired under subsection (1).Authorizations — issuanceDuring the extension period, the following authorizations must not be issued to the holder of the licence:an authorization to carry; andan authorization to transport, unless it is issuedfor a reason referred to in subparagraph 19(1)(b)(i) or (ii), orbecause the holder wishes to transport a firearm for disposal through sale or exportation.MinorsA licence that is issued to an individual who is less than eighteen years old expires on the earlier ofthe day on which the holder attains the age of eighteen years, andthe expiration of the period for which it is expressed to be issued.BusinessesA licence that is issued to a business other than a business referred to in subsection (4) expires on the earlier ofthree years after the day on which it is issued, andthe expiration of the period for which it is expressed to be issued.Businesses that sell only ammunitionA licence that is issued to a business that sells ammunition but is not authorized to possess firearms, prohibited weapons, restricted weapons, prohibited devices or prohibited ammunition expires on the earlier offive years after the day on which it is issued, andthe expiration of the period for which it is expressed to be issued.[Repealed before coming into force, 2008, c. 20, s. 3]Notice to holderThe chief firearms officer shall give notice of every extension under this section to the holder of the licence.1995, c. 39, s. 64; 2003, c. 8, s. 40; 2008, c. 20, s. 3; 2015, c. 27, s. 142023, c. 32, s. 30.1
Term of authorizationsSubject to subsections (2) to (4), an authorization expires on the expiration of the period for which it is expressed to be issued.Authorizations to transportSubject to subsection (3), an authorization to transport that takes the form of a condition attached to a licence expires on the earlier ofthe expiration of the period for which the condition is expressed to be attached, andthe expiration of the licence.Authorizations to transportAn authorization to transport a prohibited firearm, except for an automatic firearm, or a restricted firearm for use in target practice, or a target shooting competition, under specified conditions or under the auspices of a shooting club or shooting range that is approved under section 29, whether or not the authorization takes the form of a condition attached to the licence of the holder of the authorization, expires on the earlier ofthe expiration of the period for which the authorization is expressed to be issued, which period may be no more than five years, andthe expiration of the licence.Authorizations to carryAn authorization to carry expiresin the case of an authorization to carry that takes the form of a condition attached to a licence, on the earlier ofthe expiration of the period for which the condition is expressed to be attached, which period may not be more than two years, andthe expiration of the licence; andin the case of an authorization to carry that does not take the form of a condition attached to a licence, on the expiration of the period for which the authorization is expressed to be issued, which period may not be more than two years.1995, c. 39, s. 65; 2003, c. 8, s. 41
Term of registration certificatesA registration certificate for a prohibited firearm or a restricted firearm expires whenthe holder of the registration certificate ceases to be the owner of the firearm;the firearm ceases to be a firearm; orthe classification of the firearm as a restricted firearm or a prohibited firearm changes as a result of an amendment to an Act of Parliament or to a regulation made under an Act of Parliament.1995, c. 39, s. 66; 2012, c. 6, s. 202023, c. 32, s. 31
Renewal — chief firearms officerA chief firearms officer may renew a licence, an authorization to carry referred to in paragraph 20(b) or an authorization to transport in the prescribed manner.Renewal — CommissionerThe Commissioner may renew an authorization to carry referred to in paragraph 20(a) in the prescribed manner.Restricted firearms and pre-December 1, 1998 handgunsOn renewing a licence authorizing an individual to possess a restricted firearm or a handgun referred to in subsection 12(6.1) (pre-December 1, 1998 handguns), a chief firearms officer shall decide whether any such firearm or handgun is used by themto protect their life or the life of other individuals;in connection with their lawful profession or occupation;in target practice, in a target shooting competition, under conditions specified in an authorization to transport or under the auspices of a shooting club or shooting range that is approved under section 29; orto form part of their gun collection.RegistrarA chief firearms officer who decides that any restricted firearms or any handguns referred to in subsection 12(6.1) (pre-December 1, 1998 handguns) that are possessed by an individual are not being used for that purpose shallgive notice of that decision in the prescribed form to the individual; andinform the Registrar of that decision.RelicsSubsections (2) and (3) do not apply to a firearmthat is a relic, is of value as a curiosity or rarity or is valued as a memento, remembrance or souvenir;that was specified in the licence application as being a firearm for which a registration certificate under the former Act was issued because the firearm was a relic, was of value as a curiosity or rarity or was valued as a memento, remembrance or souvenir;for which a registration certificate under the former Act was issued because the firearm was a relic, was of value as a curiosity or rarity or was valued as a memento, remembrance or souvenir; andin respect of which an individual, on the commencement day, held a registration certificate under the former Act.Material to accompany noticeA notice given under paragraph (3)(a) must include the reasons for the decision and be accompanied by a copy of sections 74 to 81.1995, c. 39, s. 67; 2003, c. 8, ss. 42, 562023, c. 32, s. 32
Refusal to Issue and Suspension and Revocation
Refusal to issue — chief firearms officerA chief firearms officer shall refuse to issue a licence if the applicant is not eligible to hold one and may refuse to issue an authorization to carry referred to in paragraph 20(b) or an authorization to transport for any good and sufficient reason.Refusal to issue — CommissionerThe Commissioner may refuse to issue an authorization to carry referred to in paragraph 20(a) for any good and sufficient reason.1995, c. 39, s. 682023, c. 32, s. 33
Registration certificatesThe Registrar may refuse to issue a registration certificate, authorization to export or authorization to import for any good and sufficient reason including, in the case of an application for a registration certificate, where the applicant is not eligible to hold a registration certificate.
SuspensionIf a chief firearms officer has reasonable grounds to suspect, on the basis of information that they have collected or received from any person, including a psychologist, a psychiatrist, a nurse, a nurse practitioner or a medical practitioner, that the holder of a licence is no longer eligible to hold the licence, they shall suspend, in respect of that licence, the holder’s authorization to use, acquire and import firearms for a period of up to 30 days.NoticeA chief firearms officer shall give notice in writing of the suspension to the holder of the licence. The notice shall include reasons for the decision, the nature of the information relied on for the decision, the period of the suspension and a copy of this section and sections 69.2 and 70.Non-disclosure of informationA chief firearms officer need not disclose any information the disclosure of which could, in their opinion, endanger the safety of any person.Termination of suspensionA chief firearms officer shall terminate the suspension at any time before the expiry of the period referred to in subsection (2) if they are satisfied that the grounds for the suspension no longer exist. The chief firearms officer shall give notice in writing of the termination of the suspension to the holder of the licence.2023, c. 32, s. 34
Prohibition on use, acquisition and importationThe holder of a licence shall not use, acquire or import firearms while their authorizations to do so are suspended under subsection 69.1(1).2023, c. 32, s. 34
Revocation of licence or authorizationA chief firearms officer may revoke a licence, an authorization to carry referred to in paragraph 20(b) or an authorization to transport — and the Commissioner may revoke an authorization to carry referred to in paragraph 20(a) — for any good and sufficient reason including, without limiting the generality of the foregoing,where the holder of the licence or authorizationis no longer or never was eligible to hold the licence or authorization,transfers, as defined in section 21, a non-restricted firearm other than in accordance with section 23,contravenes any condition attached to the licence or authorization, orhas been convicted or discharged under section 730 of the Criminal Code of an offence referred to in paragraph 5(2)(a);where the holder of the licence uses, acquires or imports a firearm while their authorizations to do so are suspended under subsection 69.1(1); orwhere, in the case of a business, a person who stands in a prescribed relationship to the business has been convicted or discharged under section 730 of the Criminal Code of any such offence.RegistrarThe Registrar may revoke an authorization to export or authorization to import for any good and sufficient reason.1995, c. 39, ss. 70, 137; 2003, c. 8, s. 43(E)2019, c. 9, s. 92023, c. 32, s. 35
Revocation — domestic violenceIf a chief firearms officer has reasonable grounds to suspect that an individual who holds a licence may have engaged in an act of domestic violence or stalking, the chief firearms officer must revoke the licence within 24 hours.Definition of domestic violenceFor the purpose of subsection (1), domestic violence means conduct, whether or not it constitutes a criminal offence, by a family member towards another family member, including conduct by or towards an intimate partner, that is violent or threatening or that is part of a pattern of coercive and controlling behaviour or that causes that other family member or intimate partner to fear for their safety or the safety of another person, and includesphysical abuse, including forced confinement, but excluding the use of reasonable force to protect themselves or another person;sexual abuse;psychological abuse;financial abuse;threats to kill or cause bodily harm to any person;threats to kill or harm an animal or damage property;harassment, including stalking;the failure to provide the necessities of life; andthe killing or harming of an animal or the damaging of property.2023, c. 32, s. 36
Revocation — protection orderIf an individual becomes subject to a protection order, their licence is automatically revoked and they must deliver to a peace officer any firearm that they possess within 24 hours or, if that is not possible, within any extended period established by the chief firearms officer. Sections 91, 92 and 94 of the Criminal Code do not apply to the individual in relation to such a firearm during that period.NoticeA chief firearms officer must give notice, in the prescribed manner, of a revocation referred to in subsection (1) to the individual and must specify in the notice the period referred to in that subsection.2023, c. 32, s. 36
Conditional licenceSubject to section 5, a chief firearms officer may, in the prescribed circumstances, issue a licence that is subject to the conditions that the chief firearms officer considers appropriate to an individual referred to in section 6.1, 70.1 or 70.2 if the individual establishes to the satisfaction of the chief firearms officer that they need a firearm to hunt or trap in order to sustain themselves or their family.2023, c. 32, s. 36
Revocation of registration certificateThe Registrarmay revoke a registration certificate for a prohibited firearm or a restricted firearm for any good and sufficient reason; andshall revoke a registration certificate for a firearm held by an individual where the Registrar is informed by a chief firearms officer under section 67 that the firearm is not being used for a purpose described in section 28.Automatic revocation of registration certificateA registration certificate for a prohibited firearm referred to in subsection 12(3) (pre-August 1, 1992 converted automatic firearms) is automatically revoked on the change of any alteration in the prohibited firearm that was described in the application for the registration certificate.1995, c. 39, s. 71; 2003, c. 8, s. 44; 2012, c. 6, s. 21
Notice of refusal to issue or revocationSubject to subsection (1.1), if a chief firearms officer decides to refuse to issue or to revoke a licence or authorization to transport or the Registrar decides to refuse to issue or to revoke a registration certificate, authorization to export or authorization to import, the chief firearms officer or Registrar shall give notice of the decision in the prescribed form to the applicant for or holder of the licence, registration certificate or authorization.When notice not requiredNotice under subsection (1) need not be given in any of the following circumstances:if the holder has requested that the licence, registration certificate or authorization be revoked; orif the revocation is incidental to the issuance of a new licence, registration certificate or authorization.Material to accompany noticeA notice given under subsection (1) must include reasons for the decision disclosing the nature of the information relied on for the decision and must be accompanied by a copy of sections 74 to 81.Non-disclosure of informationA chief firearms officer or the Registrar need not disclose any information the disclosure of which could, in the opinion of the chief firearms officer or the Registrar, endanger the safety of any person.Disposal of firearms, etc.A notice given under subsection (1) in respect of a licence must specify that the applicant for or holder of the licence may deliver to a peace officer or a firearms officer or a chief firearms officer any firearm, prohibited weapon, restricted weapon, prohibited device or prohibited ammunition that the applicant for or holder of the licence possesses within 24 hours or, if that is not possible, within an extended period established by the chief firearms officer. Sections 91, 92 and 94 of the Criminal Code do not apply to the applicant or holder in relation to such a firearm, prohibited weapon, restricted weapon or prohibited device or such prohibited ammunition during that period.Disposal of firearms — registration certificateA notice given under subsection (1) in respect of a registration certificate for a prohibited firearm or a restricted firearm must specify that the applicant for or holder of the registration certificate may deliver to a peace officer or a firearms officer or a chief firearms officer the firearm to which the registration certificate relates within 24 hours or, if that is not possible, within an extended period established by the chief firearms officer. Sections 91, 92 and 94 of the Criminal Code do not apply to the applicant or holder in relation to such a prohibited firearm or restricted firearm during that period.ReferenceIf the applicant for or holder of a licence refers the refusal to issue it or revocation of it to a provincial court judge under section 74, they must, within the period referred to in subsection (4), deliver to a peace officer any firearm that they possess. Sections 91, 92 and 94 of the Criminal Code do not apply to the applicant or holder in relation to such a firearm during that period.Order — return of firearmIf the decision of the chief firearms officer is confirmed, the judge may, if a firearm was delivered to a peace officer under subsection (6), order the return of the firearm to the applicant for or holder of the licence, in order for the applicant or holder to lawfully dispose of it.ConditionsWhen making an order under subsection (7), the judge may impose any conditions that they consider appropriate in the interests of the safety of the applicant for or holder of the licence or any other person, includingthe time within which and manner in which the firearm is to be returned;the manner in which the applicant or holder is to have access to the firearm during the period beginning with the return of the firearm and ending with its disposal; andthe manner in which the firearm is to be disposed of.EffectAn order made under subsection (7) takes effect onthe day after the day on which the period for making an appeal has expired, if no appeal is made; orthe day on which a final determination is made in respect of the appeal, if an appeal is made and the decision of the chief firearms officer is confirmed.If decision confirmedIf the appeal has been finally determined and the decision of the chief firearms officer is confirmed, the applicant for or holder of the licence must lawfully dispose of a firearm that was delivered to a peace officer under subsection (6) within 30 days after the day on which the firearm is returned to them. Sections 91, 92 and 94 of the Criminal Code do not apply to the applicant or holder in relation to such a firearm during that 30-day period.1995, c. 39, s. 72; 2003, c. 8, s. 45; 2012, c. 6, s. 222023, c. 32, s. 37
[Repealed, 2003, c. 8, s. 46]
References to Provincial Court Judge
Reference to judge of refusal to issue or revocation, etc.Subject to subsection (2), wherea chief firearms officer or the Registrar refuses to issue or revokes a licence, registration certificate, authorization to transport, authorization to export or authorization to import,a chief firearms officer decides under section 67 that a firearm possessed by an individual who holds a licence is not being used for a purpose described in section 28, ora provincial minister refuses to approve or revokes the approval of a shooting club or shooting range for the purposes of this Act,the applicant for or holder of the licence, registration certificate, authorization or approval may refer the matter to a provincial court judge in the territorial division in which the applicant or holder resides.Limitation periodAn applicant or holder may only refer a matter to a provincial court judge under subsection (1) within thirty days after receiving notice of the decision of the chief firearms officer, Registrar or provincial minister under section 29, 67 or 72 or within such further time as is allowed by a provincial court judge, whether before or after the expiration of those thirty days.1995, c. 39, s. 74; 2003, c. 8, s. 47
Hearing of referenceOn receipt of a reference under section 74, the provincial court judge shall fix a date for the hearing of the reference and direct that notice of the hearing be given to the chief firearms officer, Registrar or provincial minister and to the applicant for or holder of the licence, registration certificate, authorization or approval, in such manner as the provincial court judge may specify.EvidenceAt the hearing of the reference, the provincial court judge shall hear all relevant evidence presented by or on behalf of the chief firearms officer, Registrar or provincial minister and the applicant or holder.Burden of proofAt the hearing of the reference, the burden of proof is on the applicant or holder to satisfy the provincial court judge that the refusal to issue or revocation of the licence, registration certificate or authorization, the decision or the refusal to approve or revocation of the approval was not justified.Where hearing may proceed ex parteA provincial court judge may proceed ex parte to hear and determine a reference in the absence of the applicant or holder in the same circumstances as those in which a summary conviction court may, under Part XXVII of the Criminal Code, proceed with a trial in the absence of the defendant.
Decision by provincial court judgeOn the hearing of a reference, the provincial court judge may, by order,confirm the decision of the chief firearms officer, Registrar or provincial minister;direct the chief firearms officer or Registrar to issue a licence, registration certificate or authorization or direct the provincial minister to approve a shooting club or shooting range; orcancel the revocation of the licence, registration certificate, authorization or approval or the decision of the chief firearms officer under section 67.
Appeals to Superior Court and Court of Appeal
NunavutWith respect to Nunavut, the following definitions apply for the purposes of sections 77 to 81.provincial court judge means a judge of the Nunavut Court of Justice. (juge)superior court means a judge of the Court of Appeal of Nunavut. (cour supérieure)1999, c. 3, s. 64
Appeal to superior courtSubject to section 78, where a provincial court judge makes an order under paragraph 76(a), the applicant for or holder of the licence, registration certificate, authorization or approval, as the case may be, may appeal to the superior court against the order.Appeal by Attorney GeneralSubject to section 78, where a provincial court judge makes an order under paragraph 76(b) or (c),the Attorney General of Canada may appeal to the superior court against the order, if the order is directed to a chief firearms officer who was designated by the federal Minister, to the Registrar or to the federal Minister; orthe attorney general of the province may appeal to the superior court against the order, in the case of any other order made under paragraph 76(b) or (c).
Notice of appealAn appellant who proposes to appeal an order made under section 76 to the superior court must give notice of appeal not later than thirty days after the order is made.Extension of timeThe superior court may, either before or after the expiration of those thirty days, extend the time within which notice of appeal may be given.Contents of noticeA notice of appeal must set out the grounds of appeal, together with such further material as the superior court may require.Service of noticeA copy of any notice of appeal filed with the superior court under subsection (1) and of any further material required to be filed with it shall be served within fourteen days after the filing of the notice, unless before or after the expiration of those fourteen days further time is allowed by the superior court, onthe Attorney General of Canada, in the case of an appeal of an order made under paragraph 76(a) confirming a decision of a chief firearms officer who was designated by the federal Minister, of the Registrar or of the federal Minister;the attorney general of the province, in the case of an appeal against any other order made under paragraph 76(a);the applicant for or holder of the licence, registration certificate, authorization or approval, in the case of an appeal against an order made under paragraph 76(b) or (c); andany other person specified by the superior court.
Disposition of appealOn the hearing of an appeal, the superior court maydismiss the appeal; orallow the appeal and, in the case of an appeal against an order made under paragraph 76(a),direct the chief firearms officer or Registrar to issue a licence, registration certificate or authorization or direct the provincial minister to approve a shooting club or shooting range, orcancel the revocation of the licence, registration certificate, authorization or approval or the decision of the chief firearms officer under section 67.Burden on applicantA superior court shall dispose of an appeal against an order made under paragraph 76(a) by dismissing it, unless the appellant establishes to the satisfaction of the court that a disposition referred to in paragraph (1)(b) is justified.
Appeal to court of appealAn appeal to the court of appeal may, with leave of that court or of a judge of that court, be taken against a decision of a superior court under section 79 on any ground that involves a question of law alone.
Application of Part XXVII of the Criminal CodePart XXVII of the Criminal Code, except sections 785 to 812, 816 to 819 and 829 to 838, applies in respect of an appeal under this Act, with such modifications as the circumstances require and as if each reference in that Part to the appeal court were a reference to the superior court.
Commissioner of Firearms
AppointmentThe Governor in Council may appoint a person to be known as the Commissioner of Firearms to hold office during pleasure. The Commissioner shall be paid such remuneration as the Governor in Council may fix.2003, c. 8, s. 48
Duties, functions and powersSubject to any direction that the federal Minister may give, the Commissioner may exercise the powers and shall perform the duties and functions relating to the administration of this Act that are delegated to the Commissioner by the federal Minister.2003, c. 8, s. 48
Delegation — federal MinisterThe federal Minister may delegate to the Commissioner any duty, function or power conferred on the federal Minister under this Act, except the power to delegate under this section and the power under subsections 97(2) and (3).2003, c. 8, s. 48
Incapacity or vacancyIn the event of the absence or incapacity of, or vacancy in the office of, the Commissioner, the federal Minister may appoint a person to perform the duties and functions and exercise the powers of the Commissioner, but no person may be so appointed for a term of more than 60 days without the approval of the Governor in Council.2003, c. 8, s. 48
Superannuation and compensationThe Commissioner shall be deemed to be a person employed in the Public Service for the purposes of the Public Service Superannuation Act and to be employed in the public service of Canada for the purposes of the Government Employees Compensation Act and any regulations made pursuant to section 9 of the Aeronautics Act.2003, c. 8, s. 48
Canadian Firearms Registration SystemRegistrar of Firearms
Registrar of FirearmsAn individual to be known as the Registrar of Firearms shall be appointed or deployed in accordance with the Public Service Employment Act.1995, c. 39, s. 82; 2003, c. 8, s. 49
Incapacity or vacancyIn the event of the absence or incapacity of, or vacancy in the position of, the Registrar, the Commissioner may perform the duties and functions and exercise the powers of the Registrar.2003, c. 8, s. 49
Records of the Registrar
Canadian Firearms RegistryThe Registrar shall establish and maintain a registry, to be known as the Canadian Firearms Registry, in which shall be kept a record ofevery licence, every registration certificate for a prohibited firearm or a restricted firearm and every authorization that is issued or revoked by the Registrar;every application for a licence, a registration certificate for a prohibited firearm or a restricted firearm or an authorization that is refused by the Registrar;every transfer of a firearm of which the Registrar is informed under section 26 or 27;every exportation from or importation into Canada of a firearm of which the Registrar is informed under section 42 or 50;every loss, finding, theft or destruction of a firearm of which the Registrar is informed under section 88; andsuch other matters as may be prescribed.OperationThe Registrar is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Canadian Firearms Registry.1995, c. 39, s. 83; 2012, c. 6, s. 23
Destruction of recordsThe Registrar may destroy records kept in the Canadian Firearms Registry at such times and in such circumstances as may be prescribed.
Other records of RegistrarThe Registrar shall establish and maintain a record offirearms acquired or possessed by the following persons and used by them in the course of their duties or for the purposes of their employment, namely,peace officers,persons training to become police officers or peace officers under the control and supervision ofa police force, ora police academy or similar institution designated by the federal Minister or the lieutenant governor in council of a province,persons or members of a class of persons employed in the federal public administration or by the government of a province or municipality who are prescribed by the regulations made by the Governor in Council under Part III of the Criminal Code to be public officers, andchief firearms officers and firearms officers;firearms acquired or possessed by individuals on behalf of, and under the authority of, a police force or a department of the Government of Canada or of a province;every request for a reference number made to the Registrar under section 23 and, if the request is refused, the reasons for refusing the request; andevery reference number that is issued by the Registrar under subsection 23(3) and, with respect to each reference number, the day on which it was issued and the licence numbers of the transferor and transferee.Reporting of acquisitions and transfersA person referred to in paragraph (1)(a) or (b) who acquires or transfers a firearm shall have the Registrar informed of the acquisition or transfer.Destruction of recordsThe Registrar may destroy any record referred to in subsection (1) at such times and in such circumstances as may be prescribed.1995, c. 39, s. 85; 2003, c. 22, s. 224(E)2019, c. 9, s. 10
Records to be transferredThe records kept in the registry maintained pursuant to section 114 of the former Act that relate to registration certificates shall be transferred to the Registrar.
Records of Chief Firearms Officers
Records of chief firearms officersA chief firearms officer shall keep a record ofevery licence and authorization that is issued or revoked by the chief firearms officer;every licence that is the subject of a suspension under section 69.1;every application for a licence or authorization that is refused by the chief firearms officer;every prohibition order of which the chief firearms officer is informed under section 89; andsuch other matters as may be prescribed.Destruction of recordsA chief firearms officer may destroy any record referred to in subsection (1) at such times and in such circumstances as may be prescribed.1995, c. 39, s. 872023, c. 32, s. 38
Reporting of loss, finding, theft and destructionA chief firearms officer to whom the loss, finding, theft or destruction of a prohibited firearm or a restricted firearm is reported shall have the Registrar informed without delay of the loss, finding, theft or destruction.1995, c. 39, s. 88; 2012, c. 6, s. 24
Disclosure of Information
Authorization to discloseIf the Commissioner, the Registrar or a chief firearms officer has reasonable grounds to suspect that an individual is using or has used a licence to transfer or offer to transfer a firearm for the purpose of committing an offence referred to in subsection 99(1) or 100(1) of the Criminal Code, the Commissioner, the Registrar or the chief firearms officer may disclose, for the purpose of investigating or prosecuting an offence under that subsection, the following information to a law enforcement agency:the individual’s name, date of birth and address;the licence number and province of issuance of the individual’s most recent licence and the dates of issue of the first licence and most recent licence issued to the individual;a list of all restricted and prohibited firearms acquired by the individual and whether they were acquired from a business or an individual;the number, date of issue and expiration date of the registration certificates for all firearms for which the individual was issued a registration certificate and the firearm identification number of those firearms;the serial number, make, model, manufacturer, calibre and barrel length of all firearms for which the individual was issued a registration certificate;whether a firearm for which the individual was issued a registration certificate has been transferred or reported lost or stolen; andany other prescribed information.For greater certaintyFor greater certainty, nothing in subsection (1) is intended to derogate from the powers conferred on the Commissioner, the Registrar or a chief firearms officer under this Act or any other Act of Parliament or an Act of a provincial legislature or the common law to disclose information to a law enforcement agency.2023, c. 32, s. 39
Reporting of Prohibition Orders
Reporting of prohibition ordersEvery court, judge or justice that makes, varies or revokes a prohibition order shall have a chief firearms officer informed without delay of the prohibition order or its variation or revocation.
Access to Records
Right of accessThe Registrar has a right of access to records kept by a chief firearms officer under section 87 and a chief firearms officer has a right of access to records kept by the Registrar under section 83 or 85 and to records kept by other chief firearms officers under section 87.
[Repealed, 2019, c. 9, s. 11]
Electronic Filing
Electronic filingSubject to the regulations, notices and documents that are sent to or issued by the Registrar pursuant to this or any other Act of Parliament may be sent or issued in electronic or other form in any manner specified by the Registrar.Time of receiptFor the purposes of this Act and Part III of the Criminal Code, a notice or document that is sent or issued in accordance with subsection (1) is deemed to have been received at the time and date provided by the regulations.
Records of RegistrarRecords required by section 83 or 85 to be kept by the Registrar maybe in bound or loose-leaf form or in photographic film form; orbe entered or recorded by any system of mechanical or electronic data processing or by any other information storage device that is capable of reproducing any required information in intelligible written or printed form within a reasonable time.Storage of documents or information in electronic or other formSubject to the regulations, a document or information received by the Registrar under this Act in electronic or other form may be entered or recorded by any information storage device, including any system of mechanical or electronic data processing, that is capable of reproducing stored documents or information in intelligible written or printed form within a reasonable time.Probative valueWhere the Registrar maintains a record of a document otherwise than in written or printed form, an extract from that record that is certified by the Registrar has the same probative value as the document would have had if it had been proved in the ordinary way.
Reports
Report to federal MinisterThe Commissioner shall, no later than May 31 of each year and at any other times that the federal Minister may in writing request, submit to the federal Minister a report, in the form and including the information that the federal Minister may direct, with regard to the administration of this Act.Information on disclosuresEach report shall include information relating to the disclosures made under section 88.1 during the period to which the report relates, including the number of disclosures made to a law enforcement agency.Report to be laid before ParliamentThe federal Minister shall have each report laid before each House of Parliament on any of the first 15 days on which that House is sitting after the federal Minister receives it.1995, c. 39, s. 93; 2003, c. 8, s. 502023, c. 32, s. 42
Information to be submitted to CommissionerA chief firearms officer shall submit to the Commissioner the prescribed information with regard to the administration of this Act at the prescribed time and in the prescribed form for the purpose of enabling the Commissioner to compile the reports referred to in section 93.1995, c. 39, s. 94; 2003, c. 8, s. 50
GeneralAgreements with Provinces
Agreements with provincesThe federal Minister may, with the approval of the Governor in Council, enter into agreements with the governments of the provincesproviding for payment of compensation by Canada to the provinces in respect of administrative costs actually incurred by the provinces in relation to processing licences, registration certificates and authorizations and applications for licences, registration certificates and authorizations and the operation of the Canadian Firearms Registration System; andnotwithstanding subsections 17(1) and (4) of the Financial Administration Act, authorizing the governments of the provinces to withhold those costs, in accordance with the terms and conditions of the agreement, from fees under paragraph 117(p) collected or received by the governments of the provinces.
Other Matters
Other obligations not affectedThe issuance of a licence, registration certificate or authorization under this Act does not affect the obligation of any person to comply with any other Act of Parliament or any regulation made under an Act of Parliament respecting firearms or other weapons.
Exemptions — Governor in CouncilSubject to subsection (4), the Governor in Council may exempt any class of non-residents from the application of any provision of this Act or the regulations, or from the application of any of sections 91 to 95, 99 to 101, 103 to 107 and 117.03 of the Criminal Code, for any period specified by the Governor in Council.Exemptions — federal MinisterSubject to subsection (4), the federal Minister may exempt any non-resident from the application of any provision of this Act or the regulations, or from the application of any of sections 91 to 95, 99 to 101, 103 to 107 and 117.03 of the Criminal Code, for any period not exceeding one year.Exemptions — provincial ministerSubject to subsection (4), a provincial minister may exempt from the application in that province of any provision of this Act or the regulations or Part III of the Criminal Code, for any period not exceeding one year, the employees, in respect of any thing done by them in the course of or for the purpose of their duties or employment, of any business that holds a licence authorizing the business to acquire prohibited firearms, prohibited weapons, prohibited devices or prohibited ammunition.Public safetySubsections (1) to (3) do not apply if it is not desirable, in the interests of the safety of any person, that the exemption be granted.ConditionsThe authority granting an exemption may attach to it any reasonable condition that the authority considers desirable in the particular circumstances and in the interests of the safety of any person.1995, c. 39, s. 97; 2001, c. 41, s. 96
Exception — handgunsSections 12.2 and 19.1 do not apply in respect of an individual whoholds an authorization to carry in respect of a handgun; ormeets the prescribed criteria and annually provides a letter to a chief firearms officer from a provincial or national sport shooting governing body indicatingthat they are training, competing or coaching in a handgun shooting discipline that is on the programme of the International Olympic Committee or the International Paralympic Committee,the disciplines in which they train, compete or coach, andthat the handgun in question is necessary for training, competing or coaching in those disciplines.2023, c. 32, s. 43
Delegation
Authorized chief firearms officer may perform functions of provincial ministerA chief firearms officer of a province who is authorized in writing by a provincial minister may perform the function of the provincial minister of designating firearms officers for the province.
Designated officers may perform functions of chief firearms officersA firearms officer who is designated in writing by a chief firearms officer may perform any of the duties and functions of the chief firearms officer under this Act or Part III of the Criminal Code that are specified in the designation.1995, c. 39, s. 99; 2003, c. 8, s. 52
Designated officers may perform functions of RegistrarA person who is designated in writing by the Registrar for the purpose of this section may perform such duties and functions of the Registrar under this Act or Part III of the Criminal Code as are specified in the designation.
Inspection
Definition of “inspector”In sections 102 to 105, inspector means a firearms officer and includes, in respect of a province, a member of a class of individuals designated by the provincial minister.
InspectionSubject to section 104, for the purpose of ensuring compliance with this Act and the regulations, an inspector may at any reasonable time enter and inspect any place where the inspector believes on reasonable grounds a business is being carried on or there is a record of a business, any place in which the inspector believes on reasonable grounds there is a gun collection or a record in relation to a gun collection or any place in which the inspector believes on reasonable grounds there is a prohibited firearm or there are more than 10 firearms and mayopen any container that the inspector believes on reasonable grounds contains a firearm or other thing in respect of which this Act or the regulations apply;examine any firearm and examine any other thing that the inspector finds and take samples of it;conduct any tests or analyses or take any measurements; andrequire any person to produce for examination or copying any records, books of account or other documents that the inspector believes on reasonable grounds contain information that is relevant to the enforcement of this Act or the regulations.Operation of data processing systems and copying equipmentIn carrying out an inspection of a place under subsection (1), an inspector mayuse or cause to be used any data processing system at the place to examine any data contained in or available to the system;reproduce any record or cause it to be reproduced from the data in the form of a print-out or other intelligible output and remove the print-out or other output for examination or copying; anduse or cause to be used any copying equipment at the place to make copies of any record, book of account or other document.Use of forceIn carrying out an inspection of a place under subsection (1), an inspector may not use force.Receipt for things takenAn inspector who takes any thing while carrying out an inspection of a place under subsection (1) must give to the owner or occupant of the place at the time that the thing is taken a receipt for the thing that describes the thing with reasonable precision, including, in the case of a firearm, the serial number if available of the firearm.Definition of “business”For greater certainty, in this section, business has the meaning assigned by subsection 2(1).
Duty to assist inspectorsThe owner or person in charge of a place that is inspected by an inspector under section 102 and every person found in the place shallgive the inspector all reasonable assistance to enable him or her to carry out the inspection and exercise any power conferred by section 102; andprovide the inspector with any information relevant to the enforcement of this Act or the regulations that he or she may reasonably require.
Inspection of dwelling-houseAn inspector may not enter a dwelling-house under section 102 excepton reasonable notice to the owner or occupant, except where a business is being carried on in the dwelling-house; andwith the consent of the occupant or under a warrant.Authority to issue warrantA justice who on ex parte application is satisfied by information on oaththat the conditions for entry described in section 102 exist in relation to a dwelling-house,that entry to the dwelling-house is necessary for any purpose relating to the enforcement of this Act or the regulations, andthat entry to the dwelling-house has been refused or that there are reasonable grounds for believing that entry will be refusedmay issue a warrant authorizing the inspector named in it to enter that dwelling-house subject to any conditions that may be specified in the warrant.Areas that may be inspectedFor greater certainty, an inspector who is carrying out an inspection of a dwelling-house may enter and inspect onlythat part of a room of the dwelling-house in which the inspector believes on reasonable grounds there is a firearm, prohibited weapon, restricted weapon, prohibited device, prohibited ammunition, a record in relation to a gun collection or all or part of a device or other thing required by a regulation made under paragraph 117(h) respecting the storage of firearms and restricted weapons; andin addition, in the case of a dwelling-house where the inspector believes on reasonable grounds a business is being carried on, that part of a room in which the inspector believes on reasonable grounds there is ammunition or a record of the business.1995, c. 39, s. 104; 2003, c. 8, s. 53(F)
Demand to produce firearmAn inspector who believes on reasonable grounds that a person possesses a firearm may, by demand made to that person, require that person, within a reasonable time after the demand is made, to produce the firearm in the manner specified by the inspector for the purpose of verifying the serial number or other identifying features of the firearm and of ensuring that, in the case of a prohibited firearm or a restricted firearm, the person is the holder of the registration certificate for it.1995, c. 39, s. 105; 2012, c. 6, s. 26
Offences
False statements to procure licences, etc.Every person commits an offence who, for the purpose of procuring a licence, registration certificate or authorization for that person or any other person, knowingly makes a statement orally or in writing that is false or misleading or knowingly fails to disclose any information that is relevant to the application for the licence, registration certificate or authorization.False statements to procure customs confirmationsEvery person commits an offence who, for the purpose of procuring the confirmation by a customs officer of a document under this Act for that person or any other person, knowingly makes a statement orally or in writing that is false or misleading or knowingly fails to disclose any information that is relevant to the document.Definition of “statement”In this section, statement means an assertion of fact, opinion, belief or knowledge, whether material or not and whether admissible or not.
Tampering with licences, etc.Every person commits an offence who, without lawful excuse the proof of which lies on the person, alters, defaces or falsifiesa licence, registration certificate or authorization; ora confirmation by a customs officer of a document under this Act.
Unauthorized possession of ammunitionEvery business commits an offence that possesses ammunition, unless the business holds a licence under which it may possess ammunition.
PunishmentEvery person who commits an offence under section 106, 107 or 108, who contravenes subsection 29(1) or who contravenes a regulation made under paragraph 117(d), (e), (f), (g), (i), (j), (k.2), (l), (m) or (n) the contravention of which has been made an offence under paragraph 117(o)is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years; oris guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction.1995, c. 39, s. 1092019, c. 9, s. 12
Contravention of conditions of licences, etc.Every person commits an offence who, without lawful excuse, contravenes a condition of a licence, registration certificate or authorization held by the person.
PunishmentEvery person who commits an offence under section 110 or who does not comply with section 103is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years; oris guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction.
AdvertisingEvery business or every person referred to below commits an offence that advertises a firearm in a manner that depicts, counsels or promotes violence against a person:a person who is an owner of or partner in the business;if the business is a corporation, a person who is a director or officer of the corporation;a person who has a relationship with a person referred to in paragraph (a) or (b) and who has a direct influence on the operations of the business.ExceptionSubsection (1) does not apply to persons or businesses that advertise in their usual course of business directly to or on behalf of the film industry, the Canadian Forces or public safety personnel.PunishmentEvery business that, or every person referred to in paragraph (1)(a), (b) or (c) who, commits an offence under subsection (1)is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonmentin the case of a first offence, for a term not exceeding two years, andin the case of a second or subsequent offence, for a term not exceeding five years; oris guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction.1995, c. 39, s. 112; 2012, c. 6, s. 272023, c. 32, s. 44
Non-compliance with demand to produce firearmEvery person commits an offence who, without reasonable excuse, does not comply with a demand made to the person by an inspector under section 105.
Failure to deliver up revoked licence, etc.Every person commits an offence who, being the holder of a licence, a registration certificate for a prohibited firearm or a restricted firearm or an authorization that is revoked, does not deliver it up to a peace officer or firearms officer without delay after the revocation.1995, c. 39, s. 114; 2012, c. 6, s. 28
PunishmentEvery person who commits an offence under section 113 or 114 is guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction.1995, c. 39, s. 115; 2012, c. 6, s. 28
Attorney General of Canada may actAny proceedings in respect of an offence under this Act may be commenced at the instance of the Government of Canada and conducted by or on behalf of that government.
Regulations
RegulationsThe Governor in Council may make regulationsdefining the expression “protection order” for the purposes of this Act;regulating the issuance of licences, registration certificates and authorizations, including regulations respecting the purposes for which they may be issued under any provision of this Act and prescribing the circumstances in which persons are or are not eligible to hold licences;deeming permits to export goods, or classes of permits to export goods, that are issued under the Export and Import Permits Act to be authorizations to export for the purposes of this Act;regulating the revocation of licences, registration certificates and authorizations;prescribing the circumstances in which an individual does or does not need firearmsto protect the life of that individual or of other individuals, orfor use in connection with his or her lawful profession or occupation;regulating, for the purpose of issuing a reference number under section 23, the provision of information by a transferor, a transferee and the Registrar;regulating the use of firearms in target practice or target shooting competitions;regulatingthe establishment and operation of shooting clubs and shooting ranges,the activities that may be carried on at shooting clubs and shooting ranges,the possession and use of firearms at shooting clubs and shooting ranges, andthe keeping and destruction of records in relation to shooting clubs and shooting ranges and members of those clubs and ranges;regulating the establishment and maintenance of gun collections and the acquisition and disposal or disposition of firearms that form part or are to form part of a gun collection;regulating the operation of gun shows, the activities that may be carried on at gun shows and the possession and use of firearms at gun shows;regulating the storage, handling, transportation, shipping, display, advertising and mail-order sale of firearms and restricted weapons and defining the expression “mail-order sale” for the purposes of this Act;regulating the storage, handling, transportation, shipping, possession for a prescribed purpose, transfer, exportation or importation ofprohibited firearms, prohibited weapons, restricted weapons, prohibited devices, prohibited ammunition and firearm parts, orcomponents or parts of prohibited firearms, prohibited weapons, restricted weapons, prohibited devices and prohibited ammunition;regulating the possession and use of restricted weapons;respecting the possession and transportation of firearms during the extension period referred to in subsection 64(1.1);for authorizingthe possession at any place, orthe manufacture or transfer, whether or not for consideration, or offer to manufacture or transfer, whether or not for consideration,of firearms, prohibited weapons, restricted weapons, prohibited devices, ammunition, prohibited ammunition, cartridge magazines and components and parts designed exclusively for use in the manufacture of or assembly into firearms;respecting the importation or exportation of firearms, prohibited weapons, restricted weapons, prohibited devices, ammunition, prohibited ammunition, cartridge magazines and components and parts designed exclusively for use in the manufacture of or assembly into firearms;respecting the marking of firearms manufactured in Canada or imported into Canada and the removal, alteration, obliteration and defacing of those markings;respecting the confirmation of declarations and authorizations to transport for the purposes of paragraph 35(1)(b) and the confirmation of declarations for the purposes of subsections 37(2) and 38(2);respecting the disposal of ammunition and cartridge magazines referred to in subsection 37(4) and of firearm parts referred to in subsection 38(4);regulating the storage, handling, transportation, shipping, acquisition, possession, transfer, exportation, importation, use and disposal or disposition of firearms, prohibited weapons, restricted weapons, prohibited devices, prohibited ammunition and explosive substancesby the following persons in the course of their duties or for the purposes of their employment, namely,peace officers,persons training to become police officers or peace officers under the control and supervision of a police force or a police academy or similar institution designated by the federal Minister or the lieutenant governor in council of a province,persons or members of a class of persons employed in the federal public administration or by the government of a province or municipality who are prescribed by the regulations made by the Governor in Council under Part III of the Criminal Code to be public officers, andchief firearms officers and firearms officers, andby individuals on behalf of, and under the authority of, a police force or a department of the Government of Canada or of a province;regulating the keeping, transmission and destruction of records in relation to firearms, prohibited weapons, restricted weapons, prohibited devices and prohibited ammunition;regulating the keeping and destruction of records by businesses in relation to ammunition;regulating the transmission of records under paragraph 58.1(1)(c) by a business to a prescribed official;creating offences consisting of contraventions of the regulations made under paragraph (d), (e), (f), (g), (i), (j), (k.1), (k.2), (l), (m) or (n);prescribing the fees that are to be paid to Her Majesty in right of Canada for licences, registration certificates, authorizations, approvals of transfers and importations of firearms and confirmations by customs officers of documents under this Act;waiving or reducing the fees payable under paragraph (p) in such circumstances as may be specified in the regulations;prescribing the charges that are to be paid to Her Majesty in right of Canada in respect of costs incurred by Her Majesty in right of Canada in storing goods that are detained by customs officers or in disposing of goods;respecting the operation of the Canadian Firearms Registry;regulating the sending or issuance of notices and documents in electronic or other form, includingthe notices and documents that may be sent or issued in electronic or other form,the persons or classes of persons by whom they may be sent or issued,their signature in electronic or other form or their execution, adoption or authorization in a manner that pursuant to the regulations is to have the same effect for the purposes of this Act as their signature, andthe time and date when they are deemed to be received;respecting the manner in which any provision of this Act or the regulations applies to any of the aboriginal peoples of Canada, and adapting any such provision for the purposes of that application;repealingsection 4 of the Cartridge Magazine Control Regulations, made by Order in Council P.C. 1992-1660 of July 16, 1992 and registered as SOR/92-460, and the heading before it,the Designated Areas Firearms Order, C.R.C., chapter 430,section 4 of the Firearms Acquisition Certificate Regulations, made by Order in Council P.C. 1992-1663 of July 16, 1992 and registered as SOR/92-461, and the heading before it,section 7 of the Genuine Gun Collector Regulations, made by Order in Council P.C. 1992-1661 of July 16, 1992 and registered as SOR/92-435, and the heading before it,sections 8 and 13 of the Prohibited Weapons Control Regulations, made by Order in Council P.C. 1991-1925 of October 3, 1991 and registered as SOR/91-572, and the headings before them,the Restricted Weapon Registration Certificate for Classes of Persons other than Individuals Regulations, made by Order in Council P.C. 1993-766 of April 20, 1993 and registered as SOR/93-200, andsections 7, 15 and 17 of the Restricted Weapons and Firearms Control Regulations, made by Order in Council P.C. 1978-2572 of August 16, 1978 and registered as SOR/78-670, and the headings before them; andprescribing anything that by any provision of this Act is to be prescribed by regulation.1995, c. 39, s. 117; 2003, c. 8, s. 54, c. 22, s. 224(E); 2015, c. 27, s. 162019, c. 9, s. 132023, c. 32, s. 45
Laying of proposed regulationsSubject to subsection (2), the federal Minister shall have each proposed regulation laid before each House of Parliament.IdemWhere a proposed regulation is laid pursuant to subsection (1), it shall be laid before each House of Parliament on the same day.Report by committeeEach proposed regulation that is laid before a House of Parliament shall, on the day it is laid, be referred by that House to an appropriate committee of that House, as determined by the rules of that House, and the committee may conduct inquiries or public hearings with respect to the proposed regulation and report its findings to that House.Making of regulationsA proposed regulation that has been laid pursuant to subsection (1) may be madeon the expiration of thirty sitting days after it was laid; orwhere, with respect to each House of Parliament,the committee reports to the House, orthe committee decides not to conduct inquiries or public hearings.Definition of “sitting day”For the purpose of this section, sitting day means a day on which either House of Parliament sits.
ExceptionNo proposed regulation that has been laid pursuant to section 118 need again be laid under that section, whether or not it has been altered.Exception — minor changesA regulation made under section 117 may be made without being laid before either House of Parliament if the federal Minister is of the opinion that the changes made by the regulation to an existing regulation are so immaterial or insubstantial that section 118 should not be applicable in the circumstances.Exception — urgencyA regulation made under paragraph 117(i), (l), (m), (n), (o), (q), (s) or (t) may be made without being laid before either House of Parliament if the federal Minister is of the opinion that the making of the regulation is so urgent that section 118 should not be applicable in the circumstances.Notice of opinionWhere the federal Minister forms the opinion described in subsection (2) or (3), he or she shall have a statement of the reasons why he or she formed that opinion laid before each House of Parliament.Exception — prescribed datesA regulation may be made under paragraph 117(w) prescribing a date for the purposes of the application of any provision of this Act without being laid before either House of Parliament.Part III of the Criminal CodeFor greater certainty, a regulation may be made under Part III of the Criminal Code without being laid before either House of Parliament.
Transitional ProvisionsLicences
Firearms acquisition certificatesA firearms acquisition certificate is deemed to be a licence if itwas issued under section 106 or 107 of the former Act;had not been revoked before the commencement day; andwas valid pursuant to subsection 106(11) of the former Act, or pursuant to that subsection as applied by subsection 107(1) of the former Act, on the commencement day.AuthorizationsA firearms acquisition certificate that is deemed to be a licence authorizes the holderto acquire and possess any firearms other than prohibited firearms that are acquired by the holder on or after the commencement day and before the expiration or revocation of the firearms acquisition certificate;in the case of an individual referred to in subsection 12(2), (3), (4), (5), (6) or (8), to acquire and possess any prohibited firearms referred to in that subsection that are acquired by the holder on or after the commencement day; andin the case of a particular individual who is eligible under subsection 12(7) to hold a licence authorizing the particular individual to possess a handgun referred to in subsection 12(6.1) (pre-December 1, 1998 handguns) in the circumstances described in subsection 12(7), to acquire and possess such a handgun in those circumstances, if the particular handgun is acquired by the particular individual on or after the commencement day.ExpirationA firearms acquisition certificate that is deemed to be a licence expires on the earlier offive years after the day on which it was issued, andthe issuance of a licence to the holder of the firearms acquisition certificate.Lost, stolen and destroyed firearms acquisition certificatesWhere a firearms acquisition certificate that is deemed to be a licence is lost, stolen or destroyed before its expiration under subsection (3), a person who has authority under this Act to issue a licence may issue a replacement firearms acquisition certificate that has the same effect as the one that was lost, stolen or destroyed.1995, c. 39, s. 120; 2003, c. 8, s. 56
Minors’ permitsA permit is deemed to be a licence if itwas issued under subsection 110(6) or (7) of the former Act to a person who was under the age of eighteen years;had not been revoked before the commencement day; andremained in force pursuant to subsection 110(8) of the former Act on the commencement day.AuthorizationsA permit that is deemed to be a licence authorizes the holder to possess non-restricted firearms.Geographical extentA permit that is deemed to be a licence is valid only in the province in which it was issued, unless the permit was endorsed pursuant to subsection 110(10) of the former Act as being valid within the provinces indicated in the permit, in which case it remains valid within those provinces.ExpirationA permit that is deemed to be a licence expires on the earliest ofthe expiration of the period for which it was expressed to be issued,the day on which the person to whom it was issued attains the age of eighteen years, andfive years after the birthday of the person next following the day on which it was issued, if that fifth anniversary occurs on or after the commencement day.1995, c. 39, s. 121; 2015, c. 27, s. 17
Museum approvalsAn approval of a museum, other than a museum established by the Chief of the Defence Staff, is deemed to be a licence if the approvalwas granted under subsection 105(1) of the former Act; andhad not been revoked before the commencement day.ExpirationAn approval of a museum that is deemed to be a licence expires on the earlier ofthe expiration of the period for which the approval was expressed to be granted, andthree years after the commencement day.
Permits to carry on businessA permit to carry on a business described in paragraph 105(1)(a) or (b) or subparagraph 105(2)(b)(i) of the former Act is deemed to be a licence if itwasissued under subsection 110(5) of the former Act, orcontinued under subsection 6(2) of the Criminal Law Amendment Act, 1968-69, chapter 38 of the Statutes of Canada, 1968-69, or subsection 48(1) of the Criminal Law Amendment Act, 1977, chapter 53 of the Statutes of Canada, 1976-77;had not been revoked before the commencement day;had not ceased to be in force or have any effect on October 30, 1992 under section 34 of An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Customs Tariff in consequence thereof, chapter 40 of the Statutes of Canada, 1991; andremained in force pursuant to subsection 110(5) of the former Act on the commencement day.ExpirationA permit that is deemed to be a licence expires on the earlier ofthe expiration of the period for which the permit was expressed to be issued, andone year after the commencement day.
Geographical extentA permit or an approval of a museum that is deemed to be a licence under section 122 or 123 is valid only for the location of the business or museum for which it was issued.
Industrial purpose designationsA designation of a person is deemed to be a licence if itwas made under subsection 90(3.1) or paragraph 95(3)(b) of the former Act; andhad not been revoked before the commencement day.Geographical extentA designation of a person that is deemed to be a licence is valid only in the province in which it was made.ExpirationA designation of a person that is deemed to be a licence expires on the earliest ofthe expiration of the period for which it was expressed to be made,one year after the commencement day, andin the case of a designation of a person who holds a permit that is deemed to be a licence under section 123, the expiration of the permit.
Pending applicationsEvery application that was pending on the commencement day for a document that would be a document referred to in any of sections 120 to 125 had it been issued before the commencement day shall be dealt with and disposed of under and in accordance with the former Act, except thata licence shall be issued instead of issuing a firearms acquisition certificate or a permit or making an approval or designation; andonly a person who has authority under this Act to issue a licence may finally dispose of the application.
Licence of business — deemed conditionsEvery licence of a business that is valid on the commencement day is deemed to include the conditions set out in paragraphs 58.1(1)(a) to (c).2019, c. 9, s. 14
Registration Certificates
Registration certificatesA registration certificate is deemed to be a registration certificate issued under section 60 if itwasissued under subsection 109(7) of the former Act, orcontinued under subsection 6(2) of the Criminal Law Amendment Act, 1968-69, chapter 38 of the Statutes of Canada, 1968-69, or subsection 48(2) of the Criminal Law Amendment Act, 1977, chapter 53 of the Statutes of Canada, 1976-77; andhad not been revoked before the commencement day.ExpirationA registration certificate that is deemed to be a registration certificate issued under section 60 expires on the earlier ofits expiration under section 66, andDecember 31, 2002, or such other date as is prescribed.
Pending applicationsEvery application for a registration certificate that was pending on the commencement day shall be dealt with and disposed of under and in accordance with the former Act, except that only a person who has authority under this Act to issue a registration certificate may finally dispose of the application.
Authorized Transportation of Firearms
Permit to carryA permit authorizing a person to possess a particular prohibited firearm or restricted firearm is deemed to be an authorization to carry or authorization to transport if itwasissued under subsection 110(1) of the former Act, orcontinued under subsection 6(2) of the Criminal Law Amendment Act, 1968-69, chapter 38 of the Statutes of Canada, 1968-69, or subsection 48(1) of the Criminal Law Amendment Act, 1977, chapter 53 of the Statutes of Canada, 1976-77;had not been revoked before the commencement day; andremained in force pursuant to subsection 110(1) of the former Act on the commencement day.Geographical extentA permit that is deemed to be an authorization to carry or authorization to transport is valid only in the province in which the permit was issued, unless it was endorsed pursuant to subsection 110(10) of the former Act as being valid within the provinces indicated in the permit, in which case it remains valid within those provinces.ExpirationA permit that is deemed to be an authorization to carry or authorization to transport expires on the earlier ofthe expiration of the period for which it was expressed to be issued, andtwo years after the commencement day.
Temporary permit to carryA permit authorizing a person who does not reside in Canada to possess and carry a particular prohibited firearm or restricted firearm is deemed to be an authorization to transport if itwas issued under subsection 110(2.1) of the former Act;had not been revoked before the commencement day; andremained in force pursuant to that subsection on the commencement day.
Permit to transport or conveyA permit authorizing a person to transport or to convey to a local registrar of firearms a particular prohibited firearm or restricted firearm is deemed to be an authorization to transport if itwasissued under subsection 110(3) or (4) of the former Act, orcontinued under subsection 6(2) of the Criminal Law Amendment Act, 1968-69, chapter 38 of the Statutes of Canada, 1968-69, or subsection 48(1) of the Criminal Law Amendment Act, 1977, chapter 53 of the Statutes of Canada, 1976-77;had not been revoked before the commencement day; andremained in force pursuant to subsection 110(3) or (4) of the former Act on the commencement day.
ExpirationA permit that is deemed to be an authorization to transport under section 130 or 131 expires on the expiration of the period for which the permit was expressed to be issued.
Pending applicationsEvery application that was pending on the commencement day for a document that would be a document referred to in any of sections 129 to 131 had it been issued before the commencement day shall be dealt with and disposed of under and in accordance with the former Act, except thatan authorization to carry or authorization to transport shall be issued or a condition shall be attached to a licence instead of issuing a permit; andonly a person who has authority under this Act to issue an authorization to carry or authorization to transport may finally dispose of the application.
Shooting club approvalsAn approval of a shooting club is deemed to be an approval granted under this Act if the approvalwas granted under subparagraph 109(3)(c)(iii) or paragraph 110(2)(c) of the former Act; andhad not been revoked before the commencement day.ExpirationAn approval of a shooting club that is deemed to be an approval granted under this Act expires on the earlier ofthe expiration of the period for which it was expressed to be granted, andone year after the commencement day.
Temporary storage permitEvery permit authorizing a person to temporarily store a particular prohibited firearm or restricted firearmthat was issued under subsection 110(3.1) of the former Act,that had not been revoked before the commencement day, andthat remained in force pursuant to subsection 110(3.3) of the former Act on the commencement daycontinues in force until the expiration of the period for which it was expressed to be issued, unless the permit is revoked by a chief firearms officer for any good and sufficient reason.
Revocation of authorization to transportAll of the following authorizations to transport a prohibited firearm or a restricted firearm are revoked:authorizations issued under any of paragraphs 19(2.1)(b) to (e), as those paragraphs read immediately before the commencement day; andauthorizations issued under paragraph 19(2.2)(b), as that paragraph read immediately before the commencement day, in respect of transportation to and from the places referred to in any of the paragraphs that are set out in paragraph (a).2019, c. 9, s. 15
Conditional Amendments to this Act
[Amendments]
Amendments to the Criminal Code
[Amendments]
Related and Consequential Amendments to the Criminal Code
[Amendments]
Related and Consequential Amendments to Other Acts
[Amendments]
[Repealed, 2003, c. 8, s. 55]
[Amendments]
Conditional Amendments
[Amendments]
Coming into Force
Coming into forceSubject to subsection (2), this Act or any of its provisions or any provision of any other Act enacted or amended by this Act, other than sections 136, 137 and 174, shall come into force on a day or days to be fixed by order of the Governor in Council.Coming into force if no order madeIf no order bringing this Act or any of its provisions or any provision of any other Act enacted or amended by this Act is made before January 1, 2003, this Act, other than sections 136, 137 and 174, comes into force on that date.[Note: Section 85, as enacted by section 139, and sections 141 to 150 in force January 1, 1996, see SI/96-2; sections 118 and 119 in force April 30, 1996, see SI/96-39; section 95 in force December 18, 1997, see SI/98-2; sections 1, 2 and 117 in force February 25, 1998, see SI/98-35; sections 3 and 4, subsections 5(1) and (2), section 6, subsections 7(1) to (3), paragraphs 7(4)(a) to (d), subsection 7(5), sections 8 to 23, subsection 24(1), paragraphs 24(2)(a) and (b), sections 25 to 28, subsections 29(2) to (7), sections 30 and 31, paragraphs 32(a) and (c), sections 33 and 34, subsection 35(1) before paragraph (a), paragraph 35(1)(a) of the English version before subparagraph (i), subparagraphs 35(1)(a)(i) and (iii) of the English version, paragraphs 35(1)(a) and (c) of the French version, sections 54 to 94, 96, 98 to 116, 120 to 135 and 138, sections 84, 86 to 96 and 98 to 117.15, as enacted by section 139, and sections 140, 151 to 168, 170 to 173 and 175 to 193 in force December 1, 1998, see SI/98-93, 95; section 97 in force December 3, 1998, see SI/98-129; subsection 5(3), paragraph 7(4)(e), those portions of subsection 35(1) that are not yet in force, subsections 35(2) to (4) and section 36 in force January 1, 2001, see SI/2001-4; subsection 29(1) in force January 1, 2003, see SI/2002-161; paragraph 24(2)(c), as enacted by 2003, c.8, s.18, in force April 10, 2005, see SI/2005-27; section 97, as enacted by section 139, repealed before coming into force, see 2008, c. 20, s. 3; paragraph 24(2)(d) repealed before coming into force, see 2008, c. 20, s. 3; sections 37 to 53 repealed before coming into force, see 2008, c. 20, s. 3.]
RELATED PROVISIONS — 2003, c. 8, s. 49(2)
TransitionalThe person occupying the position of Registrar of Firearms on the day on which section 82 of the Act, as enacted by subsection (1) of this Act, comes into force is deemed, as of that day, to be appointed as Registrar of Firearms under the Public Service Employment Act and continues to occupy that position until another person is appointed or deployed as the Registrar of Firearms under that Act.
 — 2012, c. 6, s. 29, as amended by 2019, c. 9, s. 23
Destruction of information — CommissionerThe Commissioner of Firearms shall ensure the destruction as soon as feasible of all records in the Canadian Firearms Registry related to the registration of firearms that are neither prohibited firearms nor restricted firearms and all copies of those records under the Commissioner’s control.Destruction of information — chief firearms officersEach chief firearms officer shall ensure the destruction as soon as feasible of all records under their control related to the registration of firearms that are neither prohibited firearms nor restricted firearms and all copies of those records under their control.Non-applicationSections 12 and 13 of the Library and Archives of Canada Act and subsections 6(1) and (3) of the Privacy Act do not apply with respect to the destruction of the records and copies referred to in subsections (1) and (2).
 — 2015, c. 27, s. 37
Conversion of possession only licenceA licence that is issued under the Firearms Act and that is held by an individual referred to in paragraph 7(4)(c) of that Act, as it read immediately before the day on which this section comes into force, authorizes the holder to acquire any firearms that they are authorized to possess under the licence and that are acquired by the holder on or after that day and before the expiration or revocation of the licence.
 — 2019, c. 9, s. 25
DefinitionsThe following definitions apply in this section and in sections 26 to 28.commencement day means the day on which this Act receives royal assent. (date d’entrée en vigueur)copy means a copy referred to in subsection 29(1) or (2) of the Ending the Long-gun Registry Act. (copie)personal information means any personal information, as defined in section 3 of the Privacy Act, that is contained in a record or copy. (renseignements personnels)record means, other than in section 28, a record referred to in subsection 29(1) or (2) of the Ending the Long-gun Registry Act. (registres)specified proceeding means any request, complaint, investigation, application, judicial review, appeal or other proceeding under the Access to Information Act or the Privacy Act that is with respect to a record or copy or to personal information and thatwas made or initiated on or before June 22, 2015 and was not concluded, or in respect of which no decision was made, on or before that day; orwas made or initiated after June 22, 2015 but before the commencement day. (procédure désignée)
 — 2019, c. 9, s. 26
Non-application — Access to Information ActSubject to section 27, the Access to Information Act does not apply as of the commencement day with respect to records and copies.Non-application — Privacy ActSubject to section 27, the Privacy Act, other than its subsections 6(1) and (3), does not apply as of the commencement day with respect to personal information.Non-application — subsections 6(1) and (3) of the Privacy ActFor greater certainty, by reason of subsection 29(3) of the Ending the Long-gun Registry Act, subsections 6(1) and (3) of the Privacy Act do not apply as of April 5, 2012 with respect to personal information.
 — 2019, c. 9, s. 28
Permission to view recordsThe Commissioner of Firearms shall permit the Information Commissioner to view — for the purpose of settling the Federal Court proceeding Information Commissioner of Canada v. Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, bearing court file number T-785-15 — any record that was in the Canadian Firearms Registry on April 3, 2015.
 — 2019, c. 9, s. 29
Copy to Government of QuebecThe Commissioner of Firearms shall — for the purpose of the administration and enforcement of the Firearms Registration Act, chapter 15 of the Statutes of Quebec, 2016 — provide the Quebec Minister with a copy of all records that were in the Canadian Firearms Registry on April 3, 2015 and that relate to firearms registered, as at that day, as non-restricted firearms, if the Quebec Minister provides the Commissioner with a written request to that effect before the end of the 120th day after the day on which the Commissioner sends written notice under subsection (2).NoticeIf no request is provided under subsection (1) before the Commissioner is in a position to proceed with ensuring the destruction of the records referred to in that subsection, the Commissioner shall, as soon as he or she is in that position, send written notice to the Quebec Minister of that fact.Destruction of recordsDespite subsection 29(1) of the Ending the Long-gun Registry Act, the Commissioner shall proceed with ensuring the destruction of the records referred to in subsection (1) only afterhe or she provides the Quebec Minister with a copy of the records, in the case where that Minister provides a written request in accordance with subsection (1); orthe end of the 120th day after the day on which the Commissioner sends written notice under subsection (2), in any other case.Definition of Quebec MinisterIn this section, Quebec Minister means the minister of the Government of Quebec responsible for public security.
 — 2019, c. 9, s. 30
ExtensionThe Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness may, during the 120-day period referred to in subsection 29(1), make an order extending that period for another 120 days, and in that case the references in subsections 29(1) and (3) to “the 120th day” are to be read as references to “the 240th day”.
 — 2023, c. 32, s. 46
Protection ordersSection 6.1 of the Firearms Act, as enacted by section 16, and section 70.2 of that Act, as enacted by section 36, apply only in respect of protection orders, as defined in subsection 2(1) of that Act, made on or after the day on which section 15 comes into force.
 — 2023, c. 32, s. 47
Registration certificates — handgunsSection 12.2 of the Firearms Act, as enacted by section 17, does not apply in respect of a registration certificate for which an application was submitted in accordance with section 54 of that Act before the day on which that section 17 comes into force.
 — 2023, c. 32, s. 48
Pending referenceSubsection 72(6) of the Firearms Act, as it read immediately before the day on which section 37 comes into force, continues to apply in respect of an applicant for or holder of a licence who referred the refusal to issue it or revocation of it to a provincial court judge under section 74 of the Firearms Act before that day if, on that day, the reference has not been finally disposed of.
AMENDMENTS NOT IN FORCE — 2015, c. 27, s. 10
The Act is amended by adding the following in numerical order:
Obligation to provide informationA business may import a prohibited firearm or a restricted firearm only if the business completes the prescribed form containing the prescribed information and provides it by electronic or other means to the Registrar before the importation and to a customs officer before or at the time of the importation.Information sharingThe Registrar and a customs officer may provide each other with any form or information that they receive under subsection (1).
 — 2015, c. 27, s. 15
Subsection 83(1) of the Act is amended by adding the following after paragraph (d):all information provided to the Registrar under section 42.2;
 — 2023, c. 32, s. 15
Subsection 2(1) of the Firearms Act is amended by adding the following in alphabetical order:protection order protection order has the meaning assigned by the regulations but is intended to include any binding order made by a court or other competent authority in the interest of the safety or security of a person; this includes but is not limited to orders that prohibit a person from:being in physical proximity to an identified person or following an identified person from place to place;communicating with an identified person, either directly or indirectly;being at a specified place or within a specified distance of that place;engaging in harassing or threatening conduct directed at an identified person;occupying a family home or a residence; orengaging in family violence. (ordonnance de protection)
 — 2023, c. 32, s. 38(2)
Paragraph 87(1)(c) of the Act is replaced by the following:every prohibition order and protection order, and any variation or revocation of such orders, of which the chief firearms officer is informed under section 89; and
 — 2023, c. 32, s. 40
The heading before section 89 is replaced by the following:Reporting of Prohibition Orders and Protection Orders
 — 2023, c. 32, s. 41
Section 89 of the Act is renumbered as subsection 89(1) and is amended by adding the following:Protection orderAny competent authority that makes, varies or revokes a protection order shall have a chief firearms officer informed of the protection order or its variation or revocation within 24 hours.
2023, c. 322025-04-042023, c. 322025-03-072024, c. 302024-11-272023, c. 322024-10-012023, c. 322024-09-012019, c. 92023-12-152023, c. 322023-12-152019, c. 92022-05-182019, c. 92021-07-072019, c. 92019-06-21