Effective Gun Control
The Government of Canada is moving forward with changes to eliminate the long-gun registry and to better meet law enforcement needs while reducing the burden on law-abiding gun owners.
On November 16, 2007, Minister of Public Safety Stockwell Day re-introduced legislative amendments to repeal the requirement for long-gun owners to register their hunting rifles and shotguns. These amendments were originally tabled on June 19, 2006.
The proposed legislation will:
- repeal the requirement for businesses and individuals to register non-restricted long-guns; and
- require firearms retailers to record all sales transactions of non-restricted firearms, as was the case prior to the imposition of the long-gun registry.
Gun control measures in Canada continue to include the requirement for gun owners to undergo a background check, pass a firearms safety training course, and hold a valid firearms licence before being able to acquire and possess firearms and to acquire ammunition.
These requirements, in addition to enhanced screening measures announced in Budget 2007, will help to maintain public safety for all Canadians. Individuals will also continue to be required to register prohibited and restricted firearms, such as handguns.
Our police officers will continue to be able to determine who is and is not in legal possession of firearms through a quick check of the Canadian Police Information Centre.
The proposed legislative changes will require approval of the House of Commons and Senate. Until the legislation is approved, firearm owners must comply with existing laws and regulations. For more information, visit the Canada Firearms Centre website.
On May 17, 2006, the Government of Canada also introduced a series of non-legislative measures to ease the burdens on firearms owners.