Only way to get a handgun exemption???

[u/Stunning-Position759]

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.

[u/[deleted]]

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

[u/waitwhatnothing → u/[deleted]]

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.

[u/YYZYYC → u/waitwhatnothing]

Ya he was a friend of the police and was given one under old school methods, because it was a way of appeasing his ego and winning favour politically for his vote in support of the cops, more so than actually needing one due to legit threats.

[u/waitwhatnothing → u/YYZYYC]

Yeah handgun permits, both for ownership and to carry firearms protection, were largely handled by local police for many years.