From the NRCan website:
Explosives Regulatory Modernization, Explosives Regulations 2011
Purpose: To inform, consult and collaborate with industry and other government departments on the proposed revision of the Explosives Regulations.
Target Audience: Throughout this timeframe, numerous consultations with industry, law enforcement organizations and other government departments have taken place. Consultations will continue with the following organizations:
- Canadian Explosives Industry Association
- Canadian Pyrotechnics Council
- Canadian Shooting Sports Association
- National Firearms Association
Revisions of the Explosives Regulations will also appear in Canada Gazette I with a pre-publication comment period initiating in October 2011
Intended Outcome: The Explosives Regulations, 2011 introduces new requirements that reflect industry practices and standards. This initiative will clarify regulatory intent through better structure and clearer, simpler language, use of regulatory concepts and reflect evolving technologies and business practices. Through increased awareness, stakeholder support for the changes to the regulations is sought.
Time Frame: Fall 2008 – Spring 2012
Points from the NFA's Firearms Journal:
- NFA's interest in revision of the Act is for clarity.
- Some current proposals remove the current limitations on items such as primers and percussion caps.
- Other proposals limit quantities of powder stored in dwelling houses more than currently limited.
- A proposal to for a provision to provide a PAL to buy black powder (not supported by NFA as flintlock shooters do not require a PAL)
- A proposal to limit amount of Black powder powder to be stored in a dwelling from 75 kg to one 10 kg container. (not supported by NFA as it would negatively affect multi calibre reloaders)
- A proposal to limit quantity of propellant in loaded ammunition to 225 kg.. a significant reduction from reasonable... ( not supported by NFA as it will negatively effect owners of more than one type of gun / calibre and the number of rounds that can be kept.
- NRCan arguement is that black powder is a weapon of choice for terrorists. (NFA position is this has nothing to do with regulating safe practices for families of shooters... if it does we need to regulate propane tanks, gas cans, fertilizer etc in homes)
As stated in the NRCan notice at the top of this posting there is a
pre-publication comment period. NFA is asking that we contact the Minister of Natural Resources , The Hourable Joe Oliver and state that we support the NFA position with regards to these proposals.
This is a pre-publication comment period. The offical first public comment period will happen when the proposed regulation is published in the Canada Gazette I which has not happened yet. After that happens and comments are made the regulation goes to Canada Gazette II whereafter it becomes a regulation. Any changes should happen before that happens.
By asking us to comment in the pre-publication period the NFA is trying to get us an extra kick at the can so to speak. Whether we are reloaders or not we should be supporting the NFA in this as it is another example of the government limiting our civil rights for no other apparent reason than to have control.
My 2 cents.