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/Bucky_Goldstein Mar 18 '26

theres a video on youtube floating around about what the qualifications are to get a handgun carry exemption

https://youtu.be/RdYdV-6_1VI?si=Dwjj-CqUz7MJH3WM

the lady there got an exemption to carry as a hunting guide, but its extremely rare they give them out, basically she was out in the woods and needed something quicker than a rifle if approached by a bear

its a long video but its worth a listen

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u/StumpedTrump Mar 18 '26

Not the same one. Wilderness is a different permit and not valid for use on humans. The one OP is talking about is absolutely for use against humans.