Hello Bill;
I am reaching out to you because I have recently gone through the process of submitting a first-time PAL application to the RCMP in Miramichi, and things are going remarkably slow. My application was received by the RCMP on February 26th, and has been in the primary stage of processing since. After about two weeks of "processing" I was told the application had been forwarded to the CFO in Orillia, ON. Unfortunately, upon contacting the CFO's office they informed me that the application had never, in fact, been sent to them, and remained on a desk in Miramichi.
I understand these things do take time, but I am now well over the mandated waiting period for the application process, and therefore will not be able to participate in the spring hunting seasons which are shortly drawing to a close. I worry that because of the communication error, my application has been forgotten and that I will perhaps be waiting far longer – possibly another 4-6 weeks as per the RCMP service agent – than necessary to see my PAL come in the mail.
I have no criminal record and no history of poor mental health. I must stress that I do understand completely that the process takes time and I am resign to the fact that I may have to wait until the fall to acquire a firearm for hunting game, but I mainly worry that my application will take far longer than it needs to because it has not been kept track of.
I was told by the CFO that the person assigned directly to my case is Colleen MacDonald but I have no way of contacting her, nor do the service agents responding to the calls for the RCMP. Perhaps you have more information than I do.
At any rate, I hope you are having a great start to your week. I hope this matter isn't too much of a nuisance for you.
All the best, and thank you for your time.
Warm regards,