Canadian Firearms Safety Course

Throwing out system doesn't regain money

It’s hard to imagine a province going ahead with its own long gun registry. The expense is one obstacle – recall the ‘billion dollar boondoggle’ talk as Canadians learned of the astronomical setup cost.

Quebec is discussing instituting its own registry as the federal government moves to scrap it at that level. The province would be starting from scratch: the feds say provinces could go ahead with their own, but without funding or existing records from the federal database.

As part of their platform, the federal Conservatives said they would kill the registry.

The issue raises divergent responses. Opponents of the registry describe it as a wasteful, ineffective program aimed at law-abiding gun owners. But there are plenty – especially in Quebec – who believe it is an effective tool, particularly where firearms are used in domestic disputes, suicides and attacks against police.

As Quebec raises its objection to scrapping the registry, the response from the federal corner is interesting.

“Canadians gave our government a strong mandate to end the long-gun registry once and for all,” said Michael Patton, a spokesman for federal Public Safety Minister Vic Toews.

That’s an overstatement. Whatever helped the Conservatives to a majority on May 2, it wasn’t a one-issue election teetering on gun control beliefs.

The biggest factor in favour of the registry is continuing endorsement from the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police. They claim it is helpful – and who are politicians to say they’re wrong? It’s especially troubling in a government claiming a law and order agenda.

In Quebec, Public Security Minister Robert Dutil has said a provincial registry is a consideration, but they would still try to convince the feds to keep the existing registry.

"The biggest factor in favour of the registry is continuing endorsement from the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police. They claim it is helpful – and who are politicians to say they’re wrong?" Well, for one thing the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police, is 'chiefly' a POLITICAL lobby group. Who have NEVER polled the rank and file.. You know, the guys who are actually on the street doing the job. Not the chiefs sitting in their offices.. OPP Chief Fantino was a chief that would get out on the street, or in the cruiser. And he admitted the Registry was a waste of time and money Just like the RCMP did when they eliminated the one associated with the previous F.A.C. system. I've never met a REAL on the street cop, that thinks a registry of hunting rifles will do anything to curb crime.

Bringing Firearms to Canada

Research the firearms and game transport requirements. For information regarding Canadian firearms laws, visit the Canadian Firearms Center (CFC) website . Similarly, US firearms requirements are detailed by the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms’ (BATF) website .

Start the process at least three months prior to your trip. In some instances, police references, courses, or passport-style photos are required, all of which take additional time. When transporting firearms into the US for the purpose of hunting, a photocopy of a hunting license from the state you are visiting is also required.

Be aware that previous criminal records, including driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. In Canada, visitors with criminal records applying for firearms permits have to deal with the Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration in addition to the CFC.

Canada’s current government has loosened firearms laws, but these regulations are still much tighter than those of the United States. To begin with, Canada’s Firearms Act classifies firearms into one of three categories: non-restricted, restricted, and prohibited.

Ordinary shotguns and rifles typically used by hunters generally fall into the non-restricted category (center fire semi-automatic long guns can not have magazines that hold more than five cartridges). Hunting regulations also restrict shotgun magazine capacities to no more three shells when plugged, just as in the US.

Restricted weapons and prohibited weapons can not be used for hunting in Canada. The former can only be used for target shooting on approved ranges; the latter, as the name implies, cannot be brought into the country at all. A complete definition of these categories and further explanation of Canada’s gun laws can be found on the CFC website .

You must be 18 years or older to bring firearms into Canada. Youth from 12 to 18 years of age can acquire a minor’s license, which permits them to borrow a non-restricted weapon for the purposes of hunting, target shooting, shooting competitions, and the instruction in the use of firearms. In most provinces, this license also entitles youth to purchase ammunition. With few exceptions, the youth must pass a Canadian Firearms Safety Course before receiving this license.

Unlicensed minors can still use firearms of any class as long as they are under the direct and immediate supervision of someone who is licensed to possess that class of firearm.

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