r/canadaguns • u/Low_Bar_804 • Apr 19 '26

News / Politics / Activism Owning guns- Right or Privilege?

So obviously here in Canada our government sees private firearm ownership as a privilege rather than a right. My question is, how you guys feel? Do you think gun ownership is a right or a privilege?

When you look at other things people view as rights, such as abortion, freedom of expression and freedom of religion etc. These are all viewed by most as inherently “good rights”, but in many countries these rights are restricted. I think, along with many others, that it is justified to ignore unjust laws that restrict human rights.

I personally believe that firearm ownership is a fundamental human right because it protects all of our other rights and freedoms from being taken away. So even though legally speaking firearm ownership is a privilege that can be taken away at any time here in Canada, I don’t agree with the way our country and many others treat firearm ownership.

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u/Dill_Pickle_Tears Apr 19 '26

Agreed. I view firearms ownership similarly to vehicle ownership and licensing; though, I’d need to understand counterpoints for why firearms should truly be rights, since like you said it can be a slippery slope to allow for public safety negligence and lack of accountability or enforcement as seen in the US.

I think we have a right for the opportunity to enter the licensing process, to participate in hunting and sport, and to have OPTIONS (i.e. banning firearms is stupid) once we are licensed - provided we show competency and proficiency. Just like driving, you can lose your license and your privilege to own and operate a firearm if deemed to be a risk to others. Not sure how rights vs privileges affect this from a legal or philosophical perspective though.

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u/InitialAd4125 Apr 19 '26

Not really? Last I checked driving on public roads was a privilege but last I checked you don't need a license to drive on public land and you don't need a license to buy a car as far a I'm aware.

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u/general_bonesteel on Apr 19 '26

To transfer ownership of a vehicle usually requires proof of insurance which you need a license for. At least that's what I've experienced here in Onterrible. Maybe there's hedge cases for display/show cars.

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u/InitialAd4125 Apr 19 '26

Maybe I honestly don't know like I've heard you can do some pretty wild stuff with farm vehicles that never leave the property.