Firearms owners now have a six-month grace period to renew their firearms licence after it expires.
The extension was part of the former federal Conservative government’s Bill C-42, but was not brought into effect until now. It became law through an Order in Council issued on Nov. 2 by the federal Liberal government and was implemented on Nov. 30.
“We want to enhance public safety by assisting firearm owners to become compliant with the licensing requirements,” said Scott Bardsley, press secretary for the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness. “We are committed to pursuing effective firearms measures that prioritize public safety while ensuring fair treatment for law-abiding gun owners.”
Despite the grace period, firearms owners with expired licences will not be able to acquire firearms or ammunition, use their firearms, or transport restricted or prohibited firearms until their licence is renewed. After the grace period ends, unlicensed firearms owners who are in possession of guns will be open to persecution.
Originally published in the Jan.-Feb. 2018 issue of Ontario OUT of DOORS
