Clarification on Government action to eliminate ineffective long-gun registry: Menzies offers clarification
May 29, 2006
OTTAWA – Ted Menzies, Member of Parliament for Macleod and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of International Cooperation clarifies that even though changes may occur to the long-gun registry, firearms owners will still be subject to measures that are designed to help ensure public safety, even during the amnesty period. 

“Canada’s new Government is committed to effective firearms control that targets criminals, while maintaining the highest standards of public safety.” said Menzies.

Firearms owners will continue to be subject to the following measures:

Thorough Background and Safety Checks
  • When you apply for a license, background safety checks will continue to be administered to screen for certain criminal convictions and incidents of violent behavior.
  • The Government is determined to strengthen measures to keep firearms out of the hands of criminals and individuals who have been prohibited from possessing them.  


Safety Training
  • The Canada Firearms Program strives to reduce firearm-related deaths and injuries by requiring that applicants for a Possession and Acquisition License (or PAL) or for a Minor’s License to have an adequate knowledge of firearm laws and safe-handling practices.
  • For this reason, all applicants for a PAL or Minor’s License must meet specific safety training standards in order to be eligible. This safety training will continue.


Safe Storage Requirements

  • All firearms owners will continue to be required to store their firearms safely so as to protect public safety.
  • Safe storage laws help to prevent accidents and possible access to firearms by persons unauthorized to possess them. 


 Licensing Requirements

  • The Government intends to move toward a simpler and more cost-effective lifetime licensing system that eliminates waste and avoids unnecessary burdens on firearm owners.
  • Under this system, the police will still be able to know and verify who is authorized to own legal firearms and who is not.


 “We have promised to take action, and have acted on those promises, while maintaining a safe and effective system for all Canadian firearms holders.” said Menzies.

 Detailed information on changes can be found in fact sheets on the Canada Firearms Centre website at http://www.cfc-cafc.gc.ca. 

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For further information, please contact: The office of Ted Menzies at (613) 995-8471

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