r/canadaguns • u/GeneralMastodon9994 • 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?

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u/sargentmyself al Mar 11 '26

No there's not really any drawback. Technically the RCMP runs an automated background check on you like every day or something, but that doesn't really effect you in any way unless you commit a crime that would invalidate your PAL.

Not really sure if getting your restricted is worth it in any way anymore but I guess if the extra course isn't a big deal to you there's no drawbacks to getting it either.