PAL Wait Time

[GARY56]

Quick run down of my experience.

Application started Nov 25 2022.

Checked box for assault charge as youth many years ago.

October 10th 2023 email sent to BCCFO offering assistance to move along application along.

October 17th checked RCMP webservices - application changed to approved.

October 19th license arrives in mail.

October 20th purchase Kriss Vector and S&W FPC.

 

[WilliamWonka]

Beware C-21 includes an amendment revoking anybody's license if they were ever suspected of committing domestic violence, conviction not required.

Yeah. Fortunately for me, even the police knew the report was horse hockey. In my region, due to a few horrific DV incidents (none of which involve firearms, btw), local PD have policies in place where any credible DV allegation warrants an immediate investigative response; the non-response from police was very telling. I am not personally concerned. BUT, the text of the proposed amendments to 70.1 through 70.3 is very problematic.

I can tell you first hand as somebody who works within the justice system, protection orders are easy to get and allegations are easy to make. The number of males who I've watched get railroaded because their ex is jockeying for position on financial or parenting issues is ridiculous.

Domestic violence is wrong and there is never an excuse for it. False allegations and taking away people's rights on little more than an untested allegation is not the solution.

 

[TheWayOfTheWind]

Yeah. Fortunately for me, even the police knew the report was horse hockey. In my region, due to a few horrific DV incidents (none of which involve firearms, btw), local PD have policies in place where any credible DV allegation warrants an immediate investigative response; the non-response from police was very telling. I am not personally concerned. BUT, the text of the proposed amendments to 70.1 through 70.3 is very problematic.

I can tell you first hand as somebody who works within the justice system, protection orders are easy to get and allegations are easy to make. The number of males who I've watched get railroaded because their ex is jockeying for position on financial or parenting issues is ridiculous.

Domestic violence is wrong and there is never an excuse for it. False allegations and taking away people's rights on little more than an untested allegation is not the solution.

Fortunately a peace bond or protection order in your past will no longer be a thing that will automatically revoke your license for life as it was in the original bill, it would've revoked so many licenses.

Domestic violence isn't okay, but if you pushed your spouse 1 single time 30 years ago, I feel it is a bit much to take your license away 30 years later for it without even a process of getting it back, literally no recourse in the bill, no s. 74 challenge, a judge cannot be trusted with the authority of giving back your license, if you held a license for 20 years it won't matter one iota, you're still losing your license for that one incident in 1993 because cleary you are a danger who can no longer be trusted.

Anyway, we'll see how that one stands up to a legal challenge.

 

[Nostalgiccollector]

We'll see what happens with my application... I truthfully answered "yes" to two questions related to my past history (over five years ago). No record and haven't even had a speeding ticket since 2018. Not holding my breath for the PAL to come through though.

 

[TheWayOfTheWind]

We'll see what happens with my application... I truthfully answered "yes" to two questions related to my past history (over five years ago). No record and haven't even had a speeding ticket since 2018. Not holding my breath for the PAL to come through though.

Anything related to domestic violence reports? From what I've heard if you got into a fight in a bar or something 10 years ago, they let it slide(not always) but yea, you'll most likely be waiting a while 1 to 2 years for 2 boxes, however this isn't guaranteed.

 

[anigh89]

Waiting on my PAL. Checked Yes to one box for a charge 15 years ago, was never convicted. I could have sworn the old application only asked for anything within the past 5 years. Hopefully this doesn't make things take forever. I called the RCMP number today and they stated its been processed by them and passed on to my local CFO for final review. I don't know if that means its moving along well or if they are taking a closer look. I asked how to contact that person and the lady told me not to bother, I would be contacted if they needed more information. Hopefully I get lucky and things move quickly... although Im not holding my breath.

 

[Nostalgiccollector]

Anything related to domestic violence reports? From what I've heard if you got into a fight in a bar or something 10 years ago, they let it slide(not always) but yea, you'll most likely be waiting a while 1 to 2 years for 2 boxes, however this isn't guaranteed.

Not domestic violence, but "conflict in my home" which I interpreted to mean police interaction at my home unrelated to domestic violence and unrelated to my spouse.

 

[TheWayOfTheWind]

Delete

 

[coldforged]

6 months

May 2 - application successfully submitted online in SK. No boxes checked
July 16 - phoned CFP , was told it was in final stages with cfo
August 20 - emailed CFO
Sept 16 - called CFP and CFO . CFP told me to call back end of October as then it would be 120 days since employee received application
October 24 - called CFP , they emailed employee/branch who has my application
October 26 - checked online it says application has been processed and license has been issued , license should arrive in 2 weeks.

Just under 6 months. Phoning in and emailing really helped , so long as you are polite and just explain you are wanting to be proactive and make sure they have all the correct information.

My wallet is already in pain. Happy though

 

[The Gun Nut]

May 2 - application successfully submitted online in SK. No boxes checked
July 16 - phoned CFP , was told it was in final stages with cfo
August 20 - emailed CFO
Sept 16 - called CFP and CFO . CFP told me to call back end of October as then it would be 120 days since employee received application
October 24 - called CFP , they emailed employee/branch who has my application
October 26 - checked online it says application has been processed and license has been issued , license should arrive in 2 weeks.

Just under 6 months. Phoning in and emailing really helped , so long as you are polite and just explain you are wanting to be proactive and make sure they have all the correct information.

My wallet is already in pain. Happy though

I just called the CFO today, after waiting for an hour for the call to go through, I was told that my application looked good and that there was no missing document or anything. "But the thing is, no one is allowed to look at it before 6 months is passed," she said. I asked if there was a way to expedite my application process and she told me not to even check the status online before January (6 months after they received my application). "Send us an e-mail in January and we'll approve it!". Wow!

 

[coldforged]

I just called the CFO today, after waiting for an hour for the call to go through, I was told that my application looked good and that there was no missing document or anything. "But the thing is, no one is allowed to look at it before 6 months is passed," she said. I asked if there was a way to expedite my application process and she told me not to even check the status online before January (6 months after they received my application). "Send us an e-mail in January and we'll approve it!". Wow!

That is quite the reply from them but sounds almost common now . Saw another fellow who had applied and done the whole call in thing but it was only after the 6 months or around there when they were able to do anything . Sucks to wait but at least you won’t be checking every day like me hahah . They told me on the phone they have so many applications that it is causing a delay . Good to hear people are signing up

 

[Pwnsaur]

Does anyone know if the Ontario CFO's license printer is still facing a backlog? Upgraded to RPAL and was just approved. There was a 3 week lag between my PAL being approved to it being printed and mailed in March....hoping that's still not the case

 

[anigh89]

Here's my timelines. I applied online and I checked yes to one box for something that happened 15 years ago, no conviction, no criminal record.
Alberta
September 26 - Applied online
September 26 - CC charged, referenced contacted, all signatures approved
October 25 - Called CFP, was told application had been passed on to provincial CFO. Told not to bother contacting.
October 25 - Contacted provincial CFO anyways, very polite email just offering any clarity or further information if needed
October 30 - Received reply from CFO stating they reviewed my application and approved it, to expect PAL in mail in ~2 weeks.

I have to believe that contacting them helped, put the application in front of someone, everything looked ok so they approved it while reviewing. My phone call and email were extremely polite and professional, never hurts.

I hope others start to see faster times as well!

 

[Djomla]

Every time I send email to ask what happening I get same replay, looks like it's attached to my files if I send question they just fire up same email

Thank you for your email. Your application has been forwarded to us at the Chief Firearms Office for standard review. At this time, we are not able to provide a date of completion. Please expect a 6-month delay from the date received by the Canadian Firearm Program *2023/07/01* for initial review.

 

[CanadianMohawk]

I recently got my PAL/RPAL here in Ontario. I submitted it May 15 and it took 5.5 months. My experience has been the same as others. I called in a few times and was told they can't look at it for 6 months and to call back then if its not done.

 

[Djomla]

I recently got my PAL/RPAL here in Ontario. I submitted it May 15 and it took 5.5 months. My experience has been the same as others. I called in a few times and was told they can't look at it for 6 months and to call back then if its not done.

Thx for the update
I hope to get it before the end of the year ��I apply July 1

 

[joolery]

March 2023 applicant here: Finally an update, I had someone from the Alberta Firearms office (or whoever they are) call today to discuss my previous depression and recent separation/divorce. After providing her with the details she needed she stated my application will be processed. I just checked the portal and it says it's processed and my card will be on its way!

FINALLY.

 

[GliderBuzz]

I hope to get it before the end of the year ��I apply July 1

Don't keep your hopes up. Just sent an email to CFO in Ontario and this was the reply:

Thank you for your email. Your application has been forwarded to us at the Chief Firearms Office for standard review. At this time, we are not able to provide a date of completion. Please expect a 6-month delay from the date received by the Canadian Firearm Program *2023/07/03* for initial review.

 

[marlin58]

Alberta about 6 weeks.. for a clean application. But we have a Premier whose head isn't up Turdos a--!

 

[Swiftp]

Don't keep your hopes up. Just sent an email to CFO in Ontario and this was the reply:

Ya don’t keep your hopes up the Ontario CFO might just be the worst we have to deal with I have been waiting a year and 6 months and nothing. At this point I have already given up