Report a public safety concern
If your concern is urgent or life-threatening, call 911.
If your concern is not urgent, contact the Canadian Firearms Program.
Firearms sales and transfers
There has been an unprecedented influx of calls to the Canadian Firearms Program and emails to the Alberta Chief Firearms Office regarding firearms sales and transfers.
To reduce delays, ensure you include your Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL) number or application number, full name and date of birth when you email [email protected].
We appreciate your patience while we work alongside the Canadian Firearms Program to address the backlog. To initiate a restricted firearms transfer, download and complete the application form RCMP 5492 and submit it by regular mail, or email it to [email protected].
For updates on the proposed regulation changes, see Federal firearms updates below.
Overview
Alberta administers the federal Canadian Firearms Program to:
- oversee firearms licences and registration
- maintain provincial firearms safety training standards
- assist and collaborate with law enforcement agencies to help enhance public safety
- inform Albertans about firearms safety
- advocate for law-abiding firearms owners
Alberta’s Chief Firearms Office collaborates with partners to:
- reduce smuggling and straw purchasing
- crack down on firearms theft
- protect Albertans’ property rights
Firearms officers, agents and program staff, located across the province in Edmonton, Calgary, Coaldale, Grande Prairie and Red Deer:
- license individuals and businesses, such as retailers and museums
- conduct ongoing inspections of Alberta’s 340,000 individual licence holders to ensure they continue to meet eligibility criteria
- approve and monitor shooting clubs and ranges
- oversee firearms safety courses and designate firearms instructors
- follow courts orders to ensure public safety
- approve firearm purchases and sales
- issue authorizations to transport and carry firearms
- provide assistance to police investigations and court matters
Firearms in Canada are regulated by the federal Firearms Act and Part III of the Criminal Code.
The Government of Alberta administers the Canadian Firearms Program in the province, while the federal government is responsible for creating firearms legislation and regulations in Canada.
Firearms services
We administer the following services related to firearms:
- helping you find certified firearms safety instructors
- approving shooting clubs and ranges to operate
For more information, see Firearms services.
Chief Firearms Officer
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Teri Bryant
Bryant was a member of the Alberta Firearms Advisory Committee. She served as the secretary of the Alberta Arms and Cartridge Collectors Association for the past 16 years and is the president of the Military Collectors Club of Canada. Bryant was an associate professor with the Haskayne School of Business at the University of Calgary on national and international business.
As Chief Firearms Officer (CFO), Bryant will demonstrate that public safety and a flourishing firearms community are mutually complementary goals. She will ensure that we preserve for future generations a firearms heritage that reflects Alberta’s values of safety, responsibility and respect for individual rights.
A major part of CFO Bryant’s role is to help bond Alberta’s law-abiding firearms community together. The CFO will have a strong presence in Alberta, connecting with stakeholders across the province to explain how the office advocates for law-abiding firearms owners and focus on safety.
News
- Alberta seeks to intervene in firearms lawsuits (September 26, 2022)
- Challenging the federal firearms confiscation program (September 26, 2022)
- Federal firearms program failing Albertans (July 21, 2022)
- Fighting the federal firearm registry (May 17, 2022)
- Fighting a backdoor federal long gun registry (May 11, 2022)
- Fighting the federal firearm ban (April 14, 2022)
- Standing up for law-abiding firearms owners (April 13, 2022)
- Alberta names chief firearms officer (August 26, 2021)
Federal firearms updates
As of August 19, 2022, all individuals and businesses importing a restricted handgun into Canada require an individual import permit issued by Global Affairs Canada.
Importers must prepare and submit the appropriate import permit application(s) for all restricted handguns that are being imported into Canada. For a step-by-step description of how to apply for an Import Permit for Firearms, Related Goods and Ammunition, please consult the Import Controls and Import Permits website.
- Notice to Importers No. 1090 – Temporary requirements for importing restricted handguns into Canada until the coming into force of the proposed amendments to the Firearms Act under Bill C-21 – August 5, 2022
- Share your thoughts: proposed pricing model for the assault-style firearms buyback program – July 28, 2022
- Further strengthening our gun control laws – May 30, 2022
Until the legislation and regulations are passed and their provisions come into force, all existing legislative and regulatory requirements governing firearms remain unchanged.
More information can be found at Public Safety Canada.
Contact
There has been an unprecedented influx of calls to the Canadian Firearms Program and emails to the Alberta Chief Firearms Office regarding firearms sales and transfers.
To reduce delays, ensure you include your PAL number or application number, full name and date of birth when you email [email protected].
Connect with Alberta’s Chief Firearms Office:
Email: [email protected]
Address:
Alberta Chief Firearms Office
PO Box 458, Station Main
Edmonton, Alberta T5J 2K1
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