May 17, 2006

OTTAWA – The Honourable Stockwell Day, Minister of Public Safety announced, on May 17, a series of immediate changes to Canadian Firearms Program. 

“This is a government that keeps its promises,” said Brian Jean, Member of Parliament for Fort McMurray – Athabasca. “This government is focusing on public safety, reducing crime and effective firearms control, not punishing responsible long-gun owners.”

The Government is moving ahead today with the implementation of the following measures:

• transferring responsibility for the Firearms Act and regulations to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), taking over from the former Canada Firearms Centre;
• reducing the annual operating budget for the program by $10 million;
• implementing license renewal fee waivers and refunds;
• eliminating physical verification of non-restricted firearms; and
• introducing a one-year amnesty to protect previously-licensed owners of non-restricted firearms from prosecution and to encourage them to comply with the law as it currently stands.

As well, the Government will table legislation to repeal the requirement to register non-restricted firearms.

The Government will also update the firearms program to ensure that it is a cost-effective and efficient crime fighting tool.  To do this the Government will meet with the provinces, territories and stakeholder groups to hear all views on what the best course of action is for Canada.

Detailed information on each of the changes can be found in fact sheets on the Canada Firearms Centre website at http://www.cfc-cafc.gc.ca.  


For further information:
Brian Jean (613) 992-1154 or (780) 743-2201

Canada Firearms Centre (toll-free information center)
by contacting 1-800-731-4000