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/Sad-Stop-2401]

u/EveryDefence I have two issues of general interest.

1. Firearm Act and Regulations as amended by Handgun freeze included this categorical ban on issue of Registration Certificates on handguns (under S.C. 1995 c. 39 s.12.2) to individuals with one or two very narrow exceptions ie olympic shooting and ATC permits. Problem is, the regulations (SOR/98-201 s.10) demand that upon telling CFP about any material change in my handgun (say caliber change), The associated registration certificate will be revoked. Under pre-freeze era, this was not a problem because CFO can issue new certificate linking handgun to me and allowing me to keep on using it legally. But now, to me it seems this is blocked due to above mentioned sub-clause 12.2 in the act. Does it mean, anyone making a material change in their handgun are essentially going to loose their handgun because they can not get a new certificate? How the law (act and reglation) will work here?
2. Coming to sports shooting, since the handgun ban in 2021, centerfire disciplines are now extremely hard to train in. Because, well, they are not olympic events even though they are recognized events by firearm shooting sports associations at internationa level. Trouble is, Canada bans .32 calibers in pistols and handguns too. One possibility is to acquire a firearm that is purpose built for sports shooting in 22 caliber and field convertible to .32 caliber. However, the list of expemted .32 caliber firearms (factory or field convertible) has not been updated since 90s with models on it have gone out of production. Whats more is that replacement models remain banned because their model name has changed. Is there a way to force CFP to update this list (Regulations Prescribing Exclusions from Certain Definitions of the Criminal Code (International Sporting Competition Handguns))?

[u/Sad-Stop-2401 → u/Sad-Stop-2401]

u/varsil Hey Ian Runkle, do these rabbit holes look worthy of a video or response?

[u/Sad-Stop-2401 → u/[deleted]]

About #1

Conditions on the Registeration Certificate SOR/98-201 s.4(2)

• (2) Subject to section 5, the Registrar shall attach to a registration certificate that is issued in respect of a firearm the condition that when the type, action, calibre or gauge of the firearm is modified, the holder of the certificate shall advise the Registrar of the modification,
  • (a) if the modification is intended to be permanent, within 30 days after the modification; and
  • (b) if the modification is not intended to be permanent but still exists 30 days after it is made, without delay after that period.

So I guess if I change caliber permanently or for more than 30 days that will be a modification I will need to tell the Registrar about. And that should invoke s.10 (AFAIK, IMHO).

[u/Sad-Stop-2401 → u/[deleted]]

Understood. TYVM!