Authorizations to Carry Restricted Firearms No Longer CFO Responsibility

0 Comments

The Regulations Amending the Authorizations to Carry Restricted Firearms and Certain Handguns Regulations (SOR/2024-176) under the Firearms Act and are designed to reflect changes in the authority regarding the issuance and management of Authorizations to Carry (ATC) restricted firearms and certain handguns in Canada. This regulatory change follows the passing of former Bill C-21, which transferred the responsibility for issuing and managing ATCs for the protection of life from Chief Firearms Officers (CFOs) to the Commissioner of Firearms.

The amendments establish that the Commissioner is now solely responsible for issuing, revoking, renewing, and imposing conditions on ATCs aimed at protecting life, while CFOs retain authority for ATCs related to lawful professions, such as cash-in-transit operations and wildlife protection. Furthermore, the amendments clarify that individuals authorized to carry multiple restricted firearms or prohibited handguns can only carry one at a time and must use a holster. Those carrying firearms for professional reasons are required to notify the CFO upon ceasing their employment and must wear a uniform in specific situations. Several conditions for revocation are also laid out, including the expiration or revocation of the individual’s firearms license, significant deterioration in the individual’s physical or mental health, or if the individual is no longer engaged in the profession that justified their ATC. Additionally, when a request for an ATC is refused or revoked, the Commissioner or CFO must provide written notice that includes the reasons for the decision; however, safety concerns may exempt them from disclosing certain sensitive information. These regulations will come into force on October 1, 2024, marking a critical transition in how firearms authorization is managed across Canada.

The amendments stem from the broader legislative context established by Bill C-21, which aimed to improve public safety and standardize the firearms authorization process across Canada. The Canadian Firearms Program (CFP), managed under the RCMP, oversees firearms licensing, registration, and safety training. Historically, ATCs issued by CFOs were valid only within their specific provinces or territories, leading to inconsistencies in how ATCs were administered across the country. By centralizing the authority under the Commissioner, the regulations intend to create a uniform application process for ATCs, particularly those issued for protection of life. This centralization allows these authorizations to be valid across various jurisdictions rather than confined to a single area, improving flexibility for individuals facing threats in different regions.

By transferring authority from CFOs to the Commissioner of Firearms, the regulations aim to create a more coherent and effective system for issuing and managing ATCs, particularly those granted for personal protection. The amendments maintain stringent criteria to ensure these authorizations are used responsibly and only when absolutely necessary, highlighting Canada’s commitment to addressing firearm-related issues while balancing individual rights and public safety.

Canada (SOR/2024-176) September 25, 2024