Enhanced Licence Revocation (Definition of a Protection Order and Licence with Conditions)
Enabling Acts
Firearms Act
Description
Bill C-21, An Act to amend certain Acts and to make certain consequential amendments (firearms), which received Royal Assent on December 15, 2023, included provisions to amend the Firearms Act to provide for the revocation of firearms licences in cases where a protection order is made against an individual. These provisions will come into force on a day fixed by the Governor in Council. Being subject to a protection order would result in automatic licence revocation under the Firearms Act and, if a new applicant, not being eligible to hold a firearms licence for the duration of the protection order. Regulations under the Firearms Act will be made or amended to define the term “protection order” to support the implementation of the new licence revocation measures in the Act that are not yet in force.
Further, regulations may be made or amended to prescribe the circumstances in which a conditional firearms licence may be issued for sustenance hunting to individuals specified in the Act. This includes individuals whose licence has been revoked as a result of a protection order being issued, a suspected act of domestic violence or stalking, or a conviction of an offence where violence was used, threatened or attempted against an intimate partner or family member.
Potential impacts on Canadians, including businesses
The regulations would impact all persons subject to a protection order as defined in the regulation. They will automatically have their licence revoked or, if a new applicant, will not be eligible to hold a firearms licence until the expiry of the order.
Provincial and territorial courts will be required to notify Chief Firearms Officers (CFOs) of all protection orders that meet this definition, including their issuance, revocation or variation, within 24 hours. This regulation is expected to affect the administration of the Firearms Act, including processing of licence revocations and issuance of licence with conditions for sustenance hunting.
Sustenance hunters whose licence has been revoked may be affected as they would be required to meet any prescribed requirements associated with the issuance of a conditional licence.
Regulatory cooperation efforts (domestic and international)
N/A
Consultations
Public Safety Canada will consult provincial and territorial governments, Indigenous organizations and stakeholders.
Further information
The regulations will support measures included in former Bill C-21 for enhanced licence revocation (See Amendments Not Yet in Force F-11.6.pdf (justice.gc.ca)).
More information on former Bill C-21: A comprehensive strategy to address gun violence and strengthen gun laws in Canada.
Departmental contact information
Firearms Policy
Crime Prevention Branch
ps.firearms-armesafeu.sp@ps-sp.gc.ca
Date the regulatory initiative was first included in the Forward Regulatory Plan
April 2024.
- Date modified: