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/[deleted] Mar 18 '26

Didnt that CFO AMA reveal that basically only 2 or 3 people have ever received that exemption?

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u/waitwhatnothing Mar 18 '26

In the past it was more common, I think in recent years only 2-3 had and now it’s down to one. I know for example that a Toronto city councillor, Norm Gardner, had one in the early 90’s.

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u/JazzlikeSort Mar 18 '26

He shot and wounded an unarmed robber at his bakery. He admitted to having the permit due to death threats in the inquiry after. Police did not lay charges.

On an unrelated note, he sat on the police service board at the time and was their biggest supporter in city hall.