Bill C-68, Canada's New Firearm Act

On December 1, 1998, the Firearms Act came into effect. This legislation was enacted in 1995 but the complexity of the law and the need to devise new reporting systems and procedures delayed its implementation.

Police agencies in Canada have been involved in the registration of restricted guns such as pistols and relvolvers since the 1940's. In the 1980's police also started to process and approve Firearm Acquisition Certificates. With the Firearms Act now in place, police agencies will no longer be involved in any fashion in the registration and issuing of permits or licenses.

How will the new Firearms Act affect the Average Canadian?

Hunters have never had to register their rifles or shotgunsand many gun owners have never gone through the process of getting a Firearms Acquisition Certificate becauce they weren't buying a gun or borrowing one. From now on, ALL guns, rifles, shotguns, crossbws, and previously registered firearms such as restricted or prohibited firearms will have to be registered by January 1, 2003. As well, ALL gun owners will have to be licensed by January 1, 2000.

What Kind of License Will I Need

If you own a hunting rifle or shotgun amd you don't intend or purchasing or borrowing another firearm, a simple "possession" license will allow you to keep your gun(s). If however you intend on buying or borrowing somebody else's gun(s), then you'll need a "possession/acquisition" license. Owners of previously registered handguns and revolvers are somewhat familiar with the licensing and registration process but they will apparently have to re-register all their firearms.

Registration forms and license applications are available at the Post Office. For any other information about the Firearms Act, you can call the Canada Firearms Center Hotline at 1-800-731-4000 or access their Internet site at www.cfc-ccaf.gc.ca or e-mail canadian.firearms@justice.x400.gc.ca.

The Canadian Firearms Center also provides some very informative pamphlets on gun storage, gun display, and transportation of firearms.

Amnesty

There is a Canada-wide amnesty that started on December 1, 1998. This amnesty is specifically intended for owners of prohibited or unregistered restricted firearms and certain kinds of ammunition. The North Bay Police Service has enlarged the scope of the amnesty and will accept ANY kind of restricted or prohibited weapon, gun, or ammunition. We will also accept any kind of hunting rifle or shotgun you no longer wish to own because you don't want to register them or get a license for them.

What is the process for getting rid of unwanted guns or ammunition?

The process involved is quite simple. You can call the North Bay Police dispatcher at (705)472-1234 and advise that you have a weapon you want to have destroyed. An officer will attend at your residence an after taking down a few particulars, will have you sign a fiream/ammunition destruction form. That property will then be taken to our Stores Quartermaster who will make arrangements for the property to be melted at the INCO smelter in Sudbury. If the gun or weapon you want destroyed has previously been registered, please provide the necessary green slip so that we can also advise the RCMP that the gun has been destroyed. That will remove the gun from their records.

Related Links:

• Canadian Firearms Registration System
• Canadian Firearms Centre
• Canadian Firearms Manual