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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.
Federal buyback program clarification
The ACFO has received a large number of questions around the recent announcement, on December 15, 2022, pertaining to the federal buy back program. Please note the following:
It is not legal to use the 2020 OIC prohibited firearms — nor has it been – since May 1, 2020. The protocol relates to being in possession of prohibited firearms after the Amnesty expires on October 30, 2023.
Firearms sales and transfers
As of October 21, 2022, individuals and businesses will no longer be able to submit applications to transfer handguns through the Program’s Contact Centre or Business Web Services (BWS), when the buyer is an individual, unless the buyer belongs to one of the identified exempt groups. The Canadian Firearms Program continues to provide firearms owners with the information they need through the RCMP website. Specific details pertaining to handgun regulations can be found at the RCMP website – Recent changes in handgun regulations.
This regulatory provision does not apply in respect of any application for the transfer of a handgun that was submitted before the entry into force of this regulatory amendment”, for example, that was submitted by midnight on the day before the new regulations entered into force which was October 21, 2022.
For further comments, concerns or questions regarding the new policy, please contact Public Safety Canada:
- by telephone for general enquiries at 1-800-830-3118
- by mail at 269 Laurier Avenue West, Ottawa, Canada K1A 0P8 or
- through Public Safety Canada’s electronic form for public enquiries
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 demonstrates 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. Bryant has 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, 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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