Restricted Safety Course Not Need if you have Non-restricted License pre: 1999

Socrates

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Just thought I would post about this and clarify something for those who had their non-restricted PAL (well it was called an FAC back then) pre-1999.

A couple months ago I decided to upgrade my non-restricted PAL to an RPAL.

When I read the application docs it actually said that if you had your PAL/FAC prior to 1999, then you were considered to already have taken the restricted safety course. I found this odd because when I taken the Candian Firearms Safety Course it did not cover pistols/revolvers...only long guns.

Anyway a couple months ago when I read this I called the Canadian Firearms Centre and asked if this was true...well the agent said "no" and that I had to now take the CRFSC and re-apply. So that is what I did.

Well just this morning I talked to another agent about my application status and whether they had received my Restricted Safety Course report that I just took...and she asked me "why did you do that ? you did not have to since you had taken the safety course prior to 1999"

GGRRRRRRR....so I just wasted 2 months of signing up, taken the course and now waiting because I thought I needed it based on my first call.

So ....anyway...I just thought I would post about this in case their are others in the same situation who had their FAC/PAL prior to 1999 and only have the non-restricted license....you DO NOT have to take the current CRFSC...just apply for the upgrade...that's all.

Socrates
 
In Québec the CFSC from january 1994 until december 1998 included non-restricted and restricted firearms. On january 1999 they split the course in two, one being the non-restricted firearms course and the other being the restricted firearms course. If you took the course in Québec you will find on your hunting certificate or on your firearm course report card, a code. Code 'C' indicates that you took the course containing both types pf firearm and than you are eligible for a PAL and RPAL. If you took the course after january 1999 the code will be 'L' for the non-restricted and 'G' for the restricted courses. 'L' will allows you to get a PAL and 'G' and 'L' (both required) will allows you to get an RPAL.
 
I took the old course in Sask in 1995 or 6 and then never actually renewed my FAC. I contacted the CFC and was told that records indicated that I had passed both and was eligible for for my RPAL. I am pretty sure it is a national thing and the agent you got was full of it.
 
When I renewed my RFAC in 2001 in Quebec I was 1st told it was no good because I had taken it in Ontario. Got hold of supervisor and she set them straight. Was also told I had to take a handgun course, did that at $70 only to find out it was not needed. Gotta watch these people closely, they are either liars or don't know their job, I suspect a bit of both.
 
Socrates said:
When I read the application docs it actually said that if you had your PAL/FAC prior to 1999, then you were considered to already have taken the restricted safety course.

If there are others in the same situation who had their FAC/PAL prior to 1999 and only have the non-restricted license....you DO NOT have to take the current CRFSC...just apply for the upgrade...that's all.

Socrates
Click to expand...

This post contains information that needs to be clarified so people are not mislead.
You are referring to those who obtained an FAC between (approximately) 1993 and 1999 where the completion of a CFSC safety course was required in order to obtain the FAC.
Many people had FACs in 1999 without taking any safety courses.
You had already taken the provincial firearms test that is why you were exempt from re-taking the test.
Having an FAC prior to 2001 did not relieve you of the obligation to take the firearms courses.
If you had a restricted FAC in 2000 (which I did) but no provincial safety courses you were required to pass the two CFSC courses (or equivalent) to get a restricted PAL.
They had kiosks set up in malls where you could get a photo taken and complete the application form. That is where many people first learned about the CFSC test requirements.
The easy alternative was the POL: you could keep the firearms that you had, and buy ammo, it had cheaper fees ($10), no courses, no exams, no references, no spouse consent.
My POL was due to expire in Dec. 2010 but since the renewal form now requires references, consents etc I challenged the courses and got an RPAL and now I have 6 additional firearms. Thanks CFC for getting me back in the game.
 
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