The following is an email received by WRPC, as a holder of a firearms business license. It was sent from the Canadian Firearms Program.
From CFP-PCAF May 1, 2020
Email to all business licence holders:
Announcement of Firearms Prohibition
As you may know, on May 1, 2020, the Government of Canada amended the Regulations Prescribing Certain Firearms and Other Weapons, Components and Parts of Weapons, Accessories, Cartridge Magazines, Ammunition and Projectiles as Prohibited or Restricted (commonly referred to as the Classification Regulations). These amendments have the effect of reclassifying the following as prohibited firearms and devices:
· nine (9) types of firearms, by make and model, and their variants;
o M16, AR-10, AR-15 rifles and M4 carbine;
o Ruger Mini-14 rifle;
o M14 rifle;
o Vz58 rifle;
o Robinson Armament XCR rifle;
o CZ Scorpion EVO 3 carbine and pistol;
o Beretta CX4 Storm carbine;
o SIG Sauer SIG MCX and SIG Sauer SIG MPX carbine and pistol; and,
o Swiss Arms Classic Green and Four Seasons series (as specified in former Bill C-71: An Act to amend certain Acts and Regulations in relation to firearms).
· firearms with a bore of 20 mm or greater and those firearms capable of discharging a projectile with a muzzle energy greater than 10,000 Joules; and
· the upper receivers of M16, AR-10, AR-15 and M4 pattern firearms.
An Amnesty Order, expiring April 30, 2022, has also been issued by the Government of Canada. This Order protects business owners from criminal liability for unlawful possession of a newly prohibited firearm if those business owners were previously in lawful possession of one or more of the newly prohibited firearms or prohibited devices on the day the amendments to the Classification Regulations came into force. This will allow business owners the time to come into compliance with the law.
This announcement may impact your business as you may have these newly prohibited firearms/devices in your inventory. While awaiting further details on the buy-back program, every effort should be made to return the inventory back to the manufacturer. Please note:
· They may no longer be sold to individuals.
· They can be transferred to another business with the appropriate licence privileges.
· If firearms are taken on consignment, they must be returned to the owner.
· If the appropriate activity and conditions are attached to the business licence for prohibited firearms, the business can act as an agent for export or deactivation for an individual or other business.
Businesses that are licensed to possess prohibited firearms will maintain this privilege but should familiarize themselves with the list of newly prohibited firearms and devices found at http://canadagazette.gc.ca/rp-pr/p2/2020/2020-05-01-x3/pdf/g2-154×3.pdf.
Should you require further information on the announcement, please refer to the Public Safety Canada website at https://www.publicsafety.gc.ca/cnt/cntrng-crm/frrms/index-en.aspx, or the Canadian Firearms Program website at https://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/en/firearms/need-know-the-government-canadas-new-prohibition-certain-firearms-and-devices.
Canadian Firearms Program
Royal Canadian Mounted Police
https://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/en/firearms
Tel: 1-800-731-4000 (toll free)