Special Bulletin for Police No. 63
Snapshot:
The classification of the Walther G 22 Firearm has been re-assessed.
Several amendments to the Firearms Act and its supporting regulations came into effect on April 10, 2005.
Information bulletins were sent to key target groups most likely to be affected by those changes, including firearm businesses, outfitters, carriers, and shooting clubs and ranges.
Walther G22
A few individuals have been issued a registration certificate for the Walther G22 on the understanding that this firearm was classified as non-restricted. New information about this firearm reveals that it is configured with a bull-pup stock, which is classified as a prohibited device under Part 4 of the Schedule of the “Regulations Prescribing Certain Firearms and Other Weapons, Components and Parts of Weapons, Accessories, Cartridge Magazines, Ammunition and Projectiles or Restricted.”
Individuals cannot lawfully possess this firearm in its current configuration. Properly licensed businesses can possess it, but they cannot sell it at retail to an individual.
The Canada Firearms Centre is notifying affected firearm owners of their options.
Implementation of Bill C-10A
Recently, the Canada Firearms Centre sent special bulletins to firearm businesses, outfitters, carriers and shooting clubs to let them know about some legislative and regulatory changes that came into force on April 10, 2005. Each bulletin was tailored to meet the needs and interests of the intended target group.
The changes that came into force do not have a direct impact on police work. However, police may be asked questions about information contained in the bulletins. This special bulletin provides an overview of key changes to serve as a reference for police. The complete bulletins and other information about the legislative and regulatory changes can be found in on our web site.
Licence Information
There is a new form (CAFC 979) and process for renewing current Possession-Only Licences (POLs) and Possession and Acquisition Licences (PALs).
There is a new PAL application form (CAFC 921). This form is to be used to:
Obtain a new PAL, or
Replace a POL or PAL that has already expired, or
Replace an FAC that is about to expire.
The maximum term for a Firearms Business Licence issued on or after April 10, 2005 is:
Three years for businesses that possess firearms, prohibited weapons, prohibited devices or prohibited ammunition; or
Five years for businesses that only sell non-prohibited ammunition.
Non-resident minors aged 12 to 17 can now get a Minor’s Licence.
All carrier licences are now issued by the Registrar of Firearms.
Transporting Firearms
The maximum term for an authorization to transport restricted firearms or prohibited handguns is five years or the expiry date of the firearms licence, whichever comes first.
Restricted firearms and prohibited handguns may now be shipped between two Canadian locations using the most secure method offered by Canada Post that requires a signature upon delivery.
Individuals can no longer be authorized to transport prohibited firearms, other than prohibited handguns, to a range for target shooting. Authorizations issued under the Special Authority to Possess Regulations before April 10, 2005, for events after that date, remain valid.
Prohibited Handguns
The grandfathering provisions in s.12(6) of the Firearms Act have been amended. The new eligibility requirements are as follows:
Individuals are eligible for a licence to possess prohibited handguns if they have continuously held a valid registration certificate for a prohibited handgun since December 1, 1998. Note that a registration certificate issued under the former law is no longer valid.
Prohibited handguns are grandfathered if they were registered to an individual or reported to the Commissioner of the RCMP as business inventory by December 1, 1998.
Previously, prohibited handguns in a business’ inventory were not eligible for grandfathered status; handguns belonging to an individual were grandfathered only if they were registered by February 14, 1995.
Individuals may possess a prohibited handgun only if both they and the handgun are grandfathered. The amendment allows individuals to keep prohibited handguns that were not registered in time for the February 14, 1995 deadline, but that were registered by December 1, 1998, if they currently hold a valid licence authorizing them to possess prohibited handguns and they re-register the handguns under the Firearms Act.
In combination with amendments to the Firearms Licences Regulations, the amendment also allows businesses to sell prohibited handguns that have been in their inventory since December 1, 1998, to a business or individual licensed to possess them, once they have obtained the appropriate licence privileges and registered their handguns. The amendments will not allow businesses to acquire more prohibited handguns for retail sales to the public.
An Amnesty Order gives businesses and individuals until December 31, 2005 to comply.
Information for the Police
To ensure that you are on our distribution list, or that your contact information is current, you may contact us through any of the means indicated below.
Any police officer can use the CAFC Police-Only Information and Referral Line at 1 800 731-4000, ext. 2064 (E) or 2063 (F) (toll-free) to obtain information or to obtain publications that are available.
Police Web site Portal:
www.cfc-cafc.gc.ca/en/portals/default.asp
Police e-mail:
police-info@cfc-cafc.gc.ca
