Harper Government extends firearms compliance measures

OTTAWA, May 15, 2015 /CNW/ - Today, the Honourable Steven Blaney, Canada's Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, announced that the Harper Government has extended regulatory measures intended to encourage compliance with federal firearms legislation.

To make it easier for firearms owners to comply with the Firearms Act and the Criminal Code, our Government will continue to provide an amnesty for owners of non-restricted firearms with expired licences who are taking steps to come into compliance by applying for and obtaining a firearms licence, in addition to facilitating the renewal of expired Possession Only Licences (POL), until May 16, 2017.

Quick Facts

• The purpose of firearms licensing is to ensure that, in the interest of public safety, individuals are properly trained and screened to possess firearms.
• Licences are valid for five years and specify the ability to possess and/or acquire a specific class of firearm. 
• To remain lawfully entitled to possess firearms, individuals must renew a licence prior to its expiry.
• The Canadian Firearms Program is part of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Specialized Policing Services, and is responsible for the administration of the Firearms Act, which governs the possession, transportation, use and storage of firearms in Canada.

For further information, please visit the Canadian Firearms Program (CFP) or call the RCMP Canadian Firearms Program at: 1-800-731-4000.

Quotes

"Our Government supports safe and sensible firearms policies. This initiative continues our strong record of reducing red tape for those who obey the law, while cracking down on the criminal use of firearms."

- Steven Blaney, Canada's Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness

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For more information, please visit the website www.publicsafety.gc.ca.

SOURCE Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada

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