r/canadaguns • u/Stunning-Position759 • Mar 18 '26

Application / Regulation advice Only way to get a handgun exemption???

Why Does the “Protection of Life” Handgun Exemption Exist in Canada?

I’ve been doing some research into Canadian firearms law, specifically the exemptions related to restricted and prohibited handguns, and I came across something that raised a lot of questions for me.

Under section 20 of the Firearms Act, there is a category that allows individuals to possess restricted firearms or prohibited handguns for “Protection of Life.”

• The individual (or others) must face imminent danger from another person

• Police protection must be insufficient in the circumstances

• Possession of the firearm must be reasonably justified to prevent death or grievous bodily harm

What I find interesting is that an ATIP request reportedly showed that only one person in Canada currently holds this exemption.

Why does this category exist in legislation if it is almost never granted?

Has anyone tried to apply for this or has experience with this.

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u/Weak_Flamingo_3031 Mar 18 '26

I’ve heard of surveyors and trappers in grizzly areas that got approved to carry but that was a few years ago not sure if they still do.

41

u/DimGrows Mar 18 '26

That’s for carrying in wilderness. Not the same as the exemption OP is talking about. Trappers and other remote wilderness occupations can still get approved.

Protection of life one I’ve only heard rumours but I’ve only ever heard of it being a handful of people or less in the whole country.

7

u/mechant_papa Mar 18 '26

I was talking with someone in Ontario who had such a license. Essentially, the gun must stay stored until they leave for the trapline. After that, they must keep it holstered. Currently the Ontario CFO had only accepted hip holsters hanging from a belt. The question whether a chest holster would be accepted (less likely to get caught up when working but may look concealed) is still unresolved.

10

u/pisspantsmcgee666 Mar 18 '26

Why in the hell does the type of holster matter man. What the fuck are we doing

8

u/YYZYYC Mar 18 '26

And they require the gun to be at least .40 calibre or higher…since it’s for protection against large animals, for people who work alone and hands are full doing other stuff precluding them carrying a long gun.

Basically they go out of their way to make sure no one is trying to use it to conceal carry a sub compact for protection from humans