It has been an interesting spring within the firearms education community and AHEIA.  With the COVID-19 protocols, it was recommended that the CFSC / CRFSC be put on hold until the “curve” flattened.  The Canadian Firearms Program also postponed reviewing new applications for Possession and Acquisition Licences during this time of self-isolation. This, admittedly, did cause some hardship to instructors as well as potential students of the CFSC / CRFSC program.  By the time this report is published we should be back on track with the program, at least on a limited basis, with smaller class sizes, social distancing and sanitation protocols of the deactivated training firearms.  As instructors of the CFSC / CRFSC, we have been through a real-life example of what “Social Responsibilities” (Module 10 Canadian Firearms Safety Course) looks like. Given the number of phone calls and emails I have received regarding courses, I expect the summer and fall training period will be a busy one.

 

On a more controversial topic, on May 1st of this year, the Government of Canada, by Order in Council, amended the Firearms Act to add prohibitions of a number of firearms and devices.

These include:

  • M16, AR-10, AR-15 rifles and M-4 carbine
  • Ruger Min-14 rifle
  • M14 rifle
  • Vz 58 rifle
  • Robinson Arms XCR rifle
  • CZ Scorpion EVO 3 carbine and rifle
  • Beretta CX4 Strom carbine
  • SIG Sauer SIG MCX and SIG Sauer SIG MPX carbine and rifle
  • Swiss Arms Classic Green and Four Seasons series carbines and rifles (as specified in former Bill C-71)

 

As well, firearms with the following characteristics are prohibited:

  • Capable of discharging a projectile with a muzzle energy greater than 10,000 joules.
  • A bore of 20 mm or greater.

Upper receivers of the M16, AR-15 and M4 pattern firearms are also now prohibited devices.

Although this is effective as of May 1, 2020, owners have an amnesty period of two years to deal with their firearms or devices.

For a more detailed account of the new regulations please see:

https://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/en/firearms/need-know-the-government-canadas-new-prohibition-certain-firearms-and-devices

 

The full text of the amendment may be found in the Canada Gazette:

http://canadagazette.gc.ca/rp-pr/p2/2020/2020-05-01-x3/pdf/g2-154×3.pdf

 

As instructors of the CFSC / CRFSC, and as firearms owners in general, please read the new regulations to familiarize yourself with them as there will be multiple questions from your students.

In closing, remember in the busy times to slow down and stop and smell the roses.  Have a good summer, and should you have a question or concern please contact our Calgary or Edmonton office.

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