The debate currently rages over handguns, handgun bans, restricted and prohibited firearms, and what is and what isn’t an assault weapon. Needless to say, there is considerable information and misinformation that makes any rational dialogue nearly impossible due to emotional and political leanings. One of our MFGA members has tried to address some of these topics in an attempt to dispel some of the myths related to firearms and firearms ownership in Canada.
The MFGA has stated its position on firearms in the past and those positions are included as an introduction.
The MFGA opposes banning firearms;
We want Consistent, Transparent, Evidence-based classification of firearms;
We endorse government addressing the root causes of firearms-related violence including domestic, hate, gang and organized crime;
We support full prosecution and increased penalties for violent firearms offences; and
Action is needed to prevent cross-border smuggling of firearms.
Myth #1: It is easy to own a firearm in Canada.
To get started, a potential owner must first take a two-day Canadian Firearms Safety Course, followed by passing both a written and practical test to ensure that the applicant has absorbed the lessons contained in the course. Once that threshold is met, you can then apply for a Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL) from the RCMP-operated Canadian Firearms Program. The RCMP conduct a criminal records check and checks with the references you have provided. Oh yes, if you are in a relationship you are required to have your spouses’/partners’ signature on the form indicating they are aware of you applying. If you fail to do so the Firearms Office will contact them. As the name implies, you need a PAL in order to own an unrestricted firearm such as a hunting rifle or shotgun. The PAL allows you to buy a hunting rifle or shotgun at a retail outlet, but remember it has taken a few months to get the PAL so it is not easy. There are presently 2.1 million PALs issued across the country.
Myth #2: Handguns are easy to buy.
A PAL isn’t authorization to buy or own a handgun, but it is the first step. To acquire a handgun, an applicant must then take a second two-day course that pertains to restricted firearms, which include handguns, and pass the ensuing written and practical tests to be eligible to apply for your Restricted-PAL or R-PAL. Buying a handgun or restricted firearm at an outfitter requires you to present your R-PAL, driver’s license, and membership card to an approved range along with payment. The vendor must contact the firearms office to have the firearms' ownership transferred to you and must await to receive an Authorization To Transport (ATT) so that you can transport the handgun home in a secure and locked container.
The costs of both tests, study books, passport-type photos and application fees are borne by the applicant and total about $300. The courses and tests are typically given on weeknights and weekends in a classroom setting with the focus on how firearms work, how to safely handle, store and fire them, how to care for them and legally transport them. The test is both written and practical. There is no shooting test. The courses are not terribly difficult for anyone with basic knowledge of firearms but it takes months, most times, to get into one of the sessions, but not everyone passes.
Myth #3: Anyone can get a PAL or R-PAL.
There is considerable paperwork with applying for a PAL or R-PAL. The firearms centre will want proof of your training, your personal information and the signature of your current or former conjugal partner. If his or her signature isn’t on the paperwork, the province’s Chief Firearms Officer will have to notify them of your application, in which case the processing of your application could be delayed. You also must supply a photo of yourself with a statement from someone who has known you for at least a year guaranteeing that it is you in the photo. You must include a non-refundable payment.
You will be asked if you have been charged, convicted or discharged for a crime of violence, a gun crime or an offence involving selling drugs, or have been the subject of a peace bond in the last five years. They also want to know if you’ve separated from a significant other in the past two years or been reported to any agency for violence or threats in a domestic relationship, among other similar questions. You will be asked if you or any member of your household has had a firearms prohibition, and you will be asked about any history of violence, substance abuse and mental health. They will ask if in the past two years if you divorced, separated, had a job loss or filed for bankruptcy. Varying from the truth on any part of the forms is perjury and is subject to criminal charges with potentially serious consequences.
You must also provide two references – independent of your current conjugal partner and a photo guarantor – who have known you for at least three years. They will be asked about the previous questions too.
You need a valid reason in order to be licensed to own a handgun. You cannot possess a handgun just because you want one. There are few purposes for which individuals can be licensed to acquire or possess a restricted firearm, the most common being target practice or target shooting competitions, or as part of a collection.
To be authorized to have a handgun for target shooting, you must provide proof that you practise or compete at an approved shooting club or range. Membership and attendance at the club or range is usually enough to pass muster. To be authorized to have a handgun as a collector, you must know the historical, technical or scientific features of the handguns in your collection and consent to inspections of the place where your collection is stored to ensure they are properly stored.
It will typically take three months or more to receive your R-PAL in the mail, allowing you go to handgun shopping. There is little sense hitting the gun stores before obtaining your R-PAL as no store will allow you to even touch a handgun until you can show them your R-PAL. (Same for a hunting rifle and having a PAL.) It is also a major criminal offence for anyone to sell a handgun to someone who doesn’t have that licence. Vendors also want to see you PAL and R-PAL for ammunition purchases.
In 2017 the RCMP rejected 817 applications across the country.
Lastly, you have to repeat this process every 5 years to keep your PAL and R-PAL valid, and at any time you are subject to a court order or other life-altering events your PAL could be revoked.