r/canadaguns • u/PreventerWind1224 • May 16 '26

News / Politics / Activism Aquiring an exemption in Ontario.

Hi everyone, recently there have been multiple posts on how to obtain an handgun exemption and those that have aquired new firearms under those exemptions. The majority of those posts have been from BC or AB. I would like anyones experience in doing this in Ontario, it would be extremely helpful.

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u/Dill_Pickle_Tears May 16 '26

Unless it’s needed for work, you’re looking at an Olympic exemption. SFC mentioned that even air pistol matches and practice can help strengthen your case for getting the letter from them. Primarily it’s about building a brief record of competition participation and coach sign off.

You’d need to be a member of a range / gun club where they practice Olympic disciplines, find a coach who’s willing to help you, and do just a bit of a practice and competing. I haven’t done it yet but this was what the SFC has told me directly. I’d imagine the most expensive part is joining a club.

I’m planning to go with a club that has a loaner program (they dont allow you to bring your own firearms until you qualify) but the first year of fees (annual member fee + initiation fee + member card fees + safety qual course fee) is like $1500+. After that it’s only like $600 annually. You’d probably be looking at 6 month - 1 years worth of time and effort before you’ve got an exemption in hand and you’re purchasing your own handgun. Though I could be off a bit.