The dollar value of firearms imported into Canada rose to its second-highest level on record in 2017, according to the owner of www.thegunblog.ca, Nicolas Johnson.
Johnson examined Government of Canada online trade data and reported that, from January to September 2017, Canadian firearms imports reached $131.7 million. That represents a 24% increase from the same period a year earlier. The highest level ever recorded was reached in 2014.
Johnston attributed the rise in imports to the possibility of Canada's firearms-marking regulations coming into effect. In fact, imports surged to a one-month record of $26.7 million in May as the impending deadline approached. When implementation was postponed, imports dropped dramatically.
Government trade data showed that rifles led the imports, at more than double the volume of either shotgun or handgun imports. The value of rifles imported from the US was $43.2 million; imports of rifles from Finland came a distant second with a value pf $6.7 million.
The growing popularity of Turkish guns, which are typically lower priced, was evident. In the shotgun category, $8.9 million worth of Turkish guns was imported, which outpaced the U.S. by $800,000, but lagged about $700,000 behind Italy, which became Canada’s leading supplier of shotguns.
PALs: According to the 2016 Commissioner of Firearms Report, there are approximately 2,076,840 individual firearms licences held in Canada.
Making it easier: The Canadian Firearms Program now offers an online licence renewal application at: www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/cfp-pcaf/online_en-ligne/index-eng.htm
Moose in town: On Nov. 24, a bull moose gained fleeting celebrity by running through unfamiliar habitat in and around Markham.
New ownership: Strike King, a well-known fishing industry brand, has been acquired by Lew’s, a holding corporation that also owns Mr. Crappie, Hunter’s Specialties, and Buck Bomb.
Originally published in the Jan.-Feb. 2018 issue of Ontario OUT of DOORS
