The B.C. Wildlife Federation (BCWF) is pleased that the Government of Canada has placed the Common Sense Firearms Licensing Act before Parliament for approval. This legislation is an important step in reducing the burden of excessive regulations for Canada’s hunting and target shooting communities. Cathy McLeod, Member of Parliament for Kamloops – Thompson – Cariboo supports the newly introduced Common Sense Firearms Licensing Act.
“This bill meets the Government’s objective to cut red tape for law-abiding firearms owners and provide safe and simple firearms policies,” said McLeod. “Changes to the Criminal Code and the classification regime would enable the Government to take steps to ensure the rights of lawful firearms owners are respected.”
The amendments to the Firearms Act and Criminal Code would:
• Merge the Possession Only License (POL) and the Possession and Acquisition License (PAL);
• Restrict the ability of Chief Firearms Officers to make arbitrary decisions;
• Create a 6-month grace period at the end of the five-year license to stop people from immediately becoming criminalized for paperwork errors;
• End needless paperwork around Authorizations to Transport by making them a condition of a license;
• Require mandatory firearms safety courses for first-time gun owners; and
• Strengthen firearms prohibitions for those who are convicted of domestic violence offences.
“Our Government is committed to maintaining a strong firearms licensing system and controls over restricted and prohibited firearms. It is also committed to a balanced approach that protects the safety of Canadians while reducing administrative burdens for law-abiding hunters, farmers and sport-shooters,” concluded McLeod.