CTV News Article Related to Ghost Guns
Date: July 7, 2020
Classification: unclassified
Fully releasable (ATIP)? Yes
Branch / Agency: RCMP
Issue:
CTV News reported on June 28, 2020, that untraceable “ghost guns” are appearing more in Canadian cities.
Proposed Response:
- Our Government is aware of the evolving trend and continue to monitor developments related to 3D-printed firearms and "ghost guns".
- In Canada, all firearms, regardless of how they are manufactured, are classified as non-restricted, restricted, or prohibited pursuant to the criteria outlined in subsection 84(1) of the Criminal Code.
- It is illegal to manufacture or possess a firearm without the appropriate licences and applicable registration certificates.
- Responsibility for the Criminal Code and corresponding regulations falls under the purview of the Minister of Justice.
Background:
CTV News reported on June 28, 2020 that untraceable “ghost guns” are appearing more in Canadian cities.
In Canada, all firearms, regardless of how they are manufactured, are classified as non-restricted, restricted, or prohibited pursuant to the criteria outlined in subsection 84(1) of the Criminal Code.
It is a criminal offence under section 99 of the Criminal Code (weapons trafficking) for any person to manufacture a firearm. Regardless of manufacturing method, a business licence is required to manufacture a firearm and all firearms over a certain velocity (152.4 m per second) or certain muzzle energy (5.7 Joules) are subject to the Firearms Act, associated offences in the Criminal Code and their Regulations.
In Canada, it is illegal to manufacture or possess a firearm without appropriate licences and applicable registrations. Firearms licencing is an important mechanism for ensuring rigorous screening of potential gun owners. The Firearms Act stipulates that individuals in possession of firearms must have a Possession and Acquisition Licence.
Ghost Gun is a general term used to describe a firearm that is anonymous as to its origins and therefore, untraceable. More specifically, it is a firearm that is manufactured or assembled from components without a serial number or other markings which would uniquely identify it, thereby preventing it from being traced in a conventional manner. The use of some manufacturing techniques can also make it difficult to detect the firearm by conventional x-ray or metal detector systems.
The technology used in the manufacture of these firearms is generally referred to as 3D printing. The material used in the manufacture of these firearms can consist of plastic, metal or epoxy resins.
Electronic 3D design files for firearm components and receivers are available to download, for free, from numerous open source websites.
Use of 3D printers and 3D design electronic files are becoming commonplace in manufacturing industries, medical departments and educational institutions as well as in households with hobbyists producing tools, toys and household items..
Contacts:
Prepared by: Kees Bradley, Manager, Cybercrime and Information Sharing Policy, 613-843-5877
Approved by: Stephen White, Deputy Commissioner, Specialized Policing Services, 613-843-4631
- Date modified: