r/canadaguns • u/AutoModerator • May 29 '22

Weekly Newbies & FAQ Thread - Post your questions here for PAL/RPAL application, timelines, CFSC/CFSRC, references & requirements, or general new to firearms ownership -type questions

This thread will be used for the "new"-type questions, PAL/RPAL applications, references, CFSC/CFRSC requirements, storage/transport, or other general "new-to-me" firearms ownership questions.

In response to this thread, the community was quite positive for a thread to cover these subjects.

These threads will be stickied for a week, renewing every Sunday @ about 0600 AST. Previous threads here. Take a look, your question may have been answered!

If you have any suggestions for this thread, please feel free to ask here, or send the Mods a message.

Thank you!

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u/TaxiDriver1969 Jun 05 '22 edited Jun 05 '22

Edit: how likely is it that my application will be denied if I used illegal drugs and had been visited by police with regards to concern that I may have harmed myself (to be clear, I didn't actually harm myself; they just showed up, asked if I was okay and then left), if these events took place about 12 years ago? Since then I got a college diploma, I've been working full time for 6 years and studying part time at a university to get a degree (eventually). Will this cause significant delay in the application process, or will I be outright denied? What kind of information can I expect to be asked to provide? I was never actually treated by a doctor, I just quit on my own... again, over a decade ago, when I was still almost an adolescent (I'm in my 30s now). I was going to apply for RPAL, since I bought the combined course for a deal, but I really only think I'd get a hunting rifle since going to the range and shooting at concrete walls is boring and I like being out in nature.

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u/drain-angel BC Jun 05 '22

Regarding drugs, if you were never charged/arrested or got a firearms prohibition that shouldn't be too much of an issue.

Regarding the visitation, it will just add a bit to your license processing time and a CFO will call you to go over your application and ask about it.

You already paid for your CFSC. The stamp and photos cost next to nothing, it's worth a shot. Don't give up.

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u/TaxiDriver1969 Jun 06 '22

Okay, so I've looked into it a bit. I wanted to try out being an uber courier, which required a Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check. This came out clean (no convictions, no charges). I believe it was a name-based check, however I've never been taken in to a police station or had my fingerprints taken. My question is whether this background check that was done and came out clean is definitive, or if it is possible that a conviction or charge may be stored in a local police database, but not on CPIC? I've also never been arrested, jailed, or in court. Is it possible to be convicted without being brought into court?

I have heard that not having a criminal charge or conviction does not mean you don't have a police record (I would put money on it that I do). Any adverse interaction with police (domestic disputes, neighbor calling on you, being at the scene of a crime, getting pulled over for speeding, getting ticketed for drinking in the park etc) goes on that record and can be pulled up. Is there a process to find out what your police record contains, and is there any way to request for items to be purged?

Sorry for being pedantic, but I want to protect myself by exposing not more or less than what is required. I also know that it is a criminal offense to make false declarations on the PAL/RPAL application. Therefore, I've resigned to the fact that if I go through with this application, I'm ticking the box and writing that letter, so I want to at least be prepared by knowing exactly what they have on me so I can be precise.

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u/drain-angel BC Jun 06 '22

I personally have had instances where the police knows and has visited me or had me in the back of a car for a bit for a few minutes-half hour tops.

I'm not delving into details but I went into know knowing that those instances was 100% on my file and fully expected them to ask, and they asked about it too. No one was charged/arrested/convicted/detained in regards to what they asked.

So expect a delay and a call, and be prepared to explain yourself, but I doubt you'd be denied.