Introduction from Every Defence LLP

[u/EveryDefence]

Hello r/canadaguns! 

We are Every Defence LLP, a criminal defence firm with a special interest in firearms laws. Our team is composed of long-time PAL holders with a passion for anything and everything firearms-related. 

Like you, we are collectors and enthusiasts who are navigating the complex and ever-changing firearms law regime. We are particularly frustrated by the lack of helpful information on niche topics within the hobby. We felt by providing general information and the opportunity for r/canadaguns community members to ask us general questions, we hope to keep the public informed on current firearms law regulations while also tackling ambiguity and myths in existing laws.

Every month or two, we will pick a hot-topic firearms issue that has been percolating in the r/canadaguns community. In doing so, we aim to provide needed clarity on the current state of the law to that topic.

Importantly, THIS IS NOT LEGAL ADVICE, and we cannot answer questions about your specific situation.  You should not construe anything we say as legal advice, and you should speak to a lawyer immediately about any legal predicament you find yourself in. In no way does the general information we provide create a solicitor-client relationship, and it is not meant to serve as legal advice for any legal predicament you may find yourself in.

[u/Barbarian_818]

Is there any conceivable way to force the Canadian Firearms Program to change it's policy on carry permits?

It's always bothered me so much that the legislation says self defence is a valid reason to carry a pistol°. This was included at the insistence of western provinces and women being able to defend themselves from abusive exes was specifically mentioned in parliamentary debate. But the program and CFOs basically said "nope, not going to do that, like ever". They are so determined to ignore the existing legislation that there is no mention of the possibility on the web site or forms.

It seems like the only way to get a self defence ATC is to have your local police chief write a letter saying they think you deserve one. Since that also is tantamount to an admission they can't protect you, that basically never happens. The only ATC issue I've ever heard of was a Toronto councilman whose ward included the Jane and Finch region.

And under the current Liberal government, even wilderness carries are being eliminated. The head of the program decided to take away the power to issue them from the provincial CFOs.

I ask because the only way to buy a pistol now is the Olympic exemption or holding the (impossible to obtain) self defence ATC. And now there are indications that they want to crack down on the Olympic shooting exemption.

°This also leads to the weird situation where it's ok to carry a gun to defend yourself if the police like you enough to endorse your ATC application. But it's not OK to carry anything else for self defense because judges maintain that carrying the means of self defence is a "purpose dangerous to the public peace"