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/Hot_Cheesecake_905 Mar 18 '26

There’s also the exemption for competitors in ISSF pistol events.

This a bit of a catch-22 no? You need a pistol to start practicing or competing in ISSF events. But you need to participate in ISSF events to get an exemption.

So how does one start the process - find a coach or ISSF Pistol Club and go from there?

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u/waitwhatnothing Mar 18 '26

I think that’s the case, there’s a coach who mentioned the process in a thread before. With an RPAL you can even borrow a gun to go to competitions. 

When you do buy your own you will be limited to competition specific .22lr handguns. 

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u/MBGLK Mar 18 '26

Could you find that comment that outlines the process please? I've looked and couldn't.

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u/waitwhatnothing Mar 19 '26

I can’t find it but I think it might have been u/theservman