r/canadaguns Mar 11 '26

Application / Regulation advice Cons to having a PAL in Canada?

Hey everyone, I am considering getting the PAL license (restricted and non-restricted), and I wanted to ask if there are any cons to being a PAL holder in Canada?

Is it true that the government can pose you as a suspect if anything happens in the area where you live (firearm related) or just in general is it true that the government keeps an eye on you as a PAL holder?

45 Upvotes

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19

u/Asleep_Log1377 Mar 11 '26

You would have a criminal record check ran on you every day. You'd be one bar fight or one argument with your wife away from losing your firearms.

1

u/geo-desik Mar 11 '26

Thats only true for Rpals with Rs registered to them.

1

u/satansnacks Mar 11 '26

No, if you get into a bar fight with someone, and it gets reported/someone wants to press charges cops run your name- will see that you have a PAL. Wont know what you have but are obligated to go check and confiscate your firearms if there are any. Doesnt always happen but it does happen with just standard PAL holders.

1

u/GeneralMastodon9994 Mar 11 '26

Makes sense so for example if no charges were pressed but you just got a club ban would that be an issue too?

Thanks for explanation!

1

u/satansnacks Mar 11 '26

Its usually upon the rcmp's discretion, but if no charges are pressed nothing will happen. Further if you do get your PAL and firearms confiscated and charges get dropped down the line you will get your PAL and firearms back, its just a bit of a pain in the ass.

1

u/GeneralMastodon9994 Mar 11 '26

Makes sense, appreciate you bro💯

1

u/geo-desik Mar 11 '26

Ya okay but that's not what you said... u said if u have PAL your name gets checked everyday, which is not true unless you have Rs

5

u/satansnacks Mar 11 '26

Brother google it, all PAL holders are subject to "continuous eligibility screening" which takes the shape of daily record checks every 12-24 hours

2

u/satansnacks Mar 11 '26

Hell call a firearms lawyer if you dont believe google lmao. My buddy literally just went through the process of petitioning for his license and firearms to be returned and that came up multiple times.