r/canadaguns • u/AutoModerator • Oct 30 '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/Brilliant_Gift1917 Nov 04 '22

I have two previous mental health diagnosis - one of them I've fully recovered from and the other is permanent but doesn't affect my ability to safely own and use guns, though some people with outdated stereotypes may think otherwise.

The last time I consulted a doctor/psychiatrist about either of these was in the UK, because like I said neither of them have caused any problems and I've completely recovered from one and have had no need to speak to a doctor/psychiatrist in Canada regarding either one.

I asked my previous psychiatrist from the UK if he would be okay doing a letter just verifying my statements that neither of these diagnosis cause any problems in my life, but he was reluctant to do it because he said that Canada is outside of his 'medical jurisdiction.' (those weren't his exact words, but that was the general jist)

The issue is I highly doubt that the RCMP will just take my word for it, and I'm reluctant to spend thousands on reassessments with a Canadian MH clinic just to have a medical professional tell the RCMP that my diagnosis is not gonna be a problem.

Anyone been in a similar position and/or have any advice?

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u/CanadaGunsMod Nov 04 '22

Apply for your PAL, be honest. If the RCMP requires additional documentation they will ask for it. You do not have to supply this up front. If you do not have a history of violence, threats, or self-harm, they will often not go further in their questioning.

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u/Brilliant_Gift1917 Nov 04 '22

Thanks. Hopefully they won't have a problem with it, I just worry about the stigma around one of the names of the diagnosis. How much detail should I go into on the cover letter they ask you to write if you tick a box for mental health diagnosis? I was thinking just a simple "These are both from when I was a kid/young teenager, I've recovered from one a long time ago and the other has never affected me, and neither should present any problems with me owning guns" should be enough?

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u/CanadaGunsMod Nov 04 '22

Leave out the bit about it not presenting a problem. Diagnosis is fine, if you want to add detail about how you're managing any current symptoms (therapy, meds, etc) that's up to you. Again, they will send you a letter requesting more info if they need it. Note that a PAL is considered a "shall issue" license. If they deny your application, you can appeal that decision.

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u/Brilliant_Gift1917 Nov 04 '22 edited Nov 04 '22

Leave out the bit about it not presenting a problem.

I wasn't necessarily gonna straight up say "This isn't a problem", more along the lines of "This [diagnosis name] has never made me feel violent or suicidal", but do you think it be better just entirely leaving that out? I just thought it'd be good to clarify as the name of the diagnosis is a broad spectrum and those symptoms can apply to some people, only fortunately where I am on it, those things don't apply to me.

Edit: Also thanks for the info on PAL's being "shall issue", I had always believed they were "may issue". Made me a little less worried now. Was thinking of joining the CCFR, would they be able to help in the case of an appeal?

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u/Remote_Ad_742 Nov 04 '22

It's one of those things where to me it reads like, someone inviting you somewhere or offering a ride and saying 'Don't worry I'm not gonna kill you'... And it's like... hmm, why did he tell me that? Idk what it is or the RCMP POV, but that's absolutely how it read to me when you said has never made me feel violent or suicidal. Like it's likely to be true, but why would you tell me?

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u/Brilliant_Gift1917 Nov 04 '22

I suppose. I think giving the name for the diagnosis would give better context as to why I'd say it but I'd prefer to keep it private.

The one I've long recovered for was depression, though, so I think it'd be important to note that I never felt suicidal despite having it at one point, as some people to this day seem to associate depression with feeling suicidal.