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/CalibreMag Mar 18 '26
Silvercore and the NFA have produced a guide to being granted an ATC that allows one to buy handguns.
I'm perennially surprised it hasn't gotten more attention.