Ottawa Announces Sweeping Review of Canada’s Firearms Classification System

Breaking: Ottawa Announces Broad Review Of Firearms Classification,Will Consult Indigenous Communities On SKS Rifle

Ottawa. Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree Confirmed A Federal Review Of CanadaS Firearms Classification Framework That will Specifically Address The SKS Rifle And Include Consultations With Indigenous Peoples.

Published: 2025-12-05T21:47:07-05:00

What The Review Will Cover

The Federal Review,First Announced in March,Will Reexamine The Legal Regime Governing Firearms,Ammunition And Magazines With An Emphasis On Simplicity And Consistency.

The announcement Said the Process Will Be Holistic And Will Seek Input From Firearms Experts, Indigenous Communities, Industry, Hunters And Licensed Firearm Owners.

Why The SKS Rifle Is Central To The Debate

The SKS Rifle Has drawn Intense Scrutiny From Gun-Control Advocates For Its Exclusion From Earlier Prohibitions.

The Government Notes That The SKS Is frequently Used For Subsistence Hunting In Some Indigenous Communities, Even As Critics Point To its Use In High-Profile Shootings.

Did you Know?

The SKS Is A Semi-Automatic Rifle Commonly Used For Hunting In Certain Communities And cited By Advocacy Groups when Calling For Targeted Measures.

Buyback Program And Fiscal Commitments

The Federal Government Has Budgeted More Then $700 Million For A National buyback Program Intended To Compensate Owners For Firearms Deemed Prohibited.

The Review Will Consider How The Buyback Operates In Practice And Whether sales Of Specific Models Should Be Paused While Classification Decisions Are Pending.

Stakeholder positions

Gun-Control Advocates Have Criticized The omission Of The SKS From Earlier Bans, Calling For A halt To Sales Pending Classification decisions.

At the Same Time, Gun Rights Groups Have Called The Federal Statement Insulting And Said Legal Owners’ Views Are Being overlooked.

Protection Orders, Licensing And Regulatory Clarifications

Officials Also Said They Will Move Forward To Clarify Regulations Tied To The 2023 Firearms Law.

One Regulatory Step Would Make Individuals Under Protection Orders Ineligible For Firearms Licences While The Orders Remain In Effect.

advocacy Groups Have Raised concerns That The Proposed Regulations Might Limit This Rule to Civil Protection Orders, Possibly Excluding Criminal Peace Bonds. The Minister Said Work Is Underway To address Those Concerns.

Origins Of The Review

The Review Responds To A Recommendation Made More than Two Years Ago by The Commission Of Inquiry Into The April 2020 Mass Shooting In Nova Scotia.

The Inquiry Urged A Reassessment Of Classification And Other Measures To Reduce The risk Of Mass Violence.

Key Facts At A Glance

Topic	Current Status	Next Step
Firearms Classification Review	Announced In March; Active	holistic Review With Consultations
SKS Rifle	Not Included In Earlier Federal Bans; Subject Of Debate	Consultations With Indigenous Communities Planned
Firearm Bans Since 2020	Approximately 2,500 Types Prohibited	Review May Adjust Classifications
Buyback Funding	More Than $700 Million Allocated	Program Design And Implementation Under Review
Protection Orders Rule	New Regulations To Clarify Eligibility	Possible Inclusion Of Peace Bonds

Evergreen Context: What Readers Should Know

Classification Systems Define Which Firearms Are Considered Prohibited,Restricted Or Non-Restricted,Which In Turn Determines Licensing,Storage And Transport Rules.

Buyback Programs Aim To Remove Prohibited Weapons From Circulation while Providing Compensation; Thier Effectiveness Depends On Sales Controls, Timely Enforcement And Clear Eligibility Rules.

Pro Tip

If you Own Firearms And Are Unsure About Classification Or Eligibility For The Buyback, Contact Public Safety Canada Or The Royal Canadian mounted Police for Official Guidance.

Legal Disclaimer: This Article Is For Informational purposes Only And Does Not Constitute Legal Advice. For Legal Questions About Firearms Law, Consult Qualified Counsel Or Official Government Resources.

For Official Information, See Public Safety Canada And Royal Canadian Mounted Police Resources.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What Is The SKS Rifle? The SKS Rifle Is A Semi-Automatic Firearm Frequently Used For Hunting In Some Communities And Under Review For Classification.
• Will The SKS Rifle Be Banned? The Review Will Consider Whether The SKS Rifle Should Be Classified As Prohibited; No Final Decision has Been Announced.
• How Much Is The Buyback Program Worth? The Federal Buyback Program Has More Than $700 Million Allocated For Compensation For Prohibited Firearms.
• Who Will Be Consulted About the SKS? The Government Plans To Consult Indigenous Communities, Firearms Experts, Industry Representatives, Hunters And Licensed Owners.
• Do Protection Orders affect Firearms Licences? Proposed Regulations Would Make Individuals Under Protection Orders Ineligible For Firearms Licences While The orders Remain In Effect.

Voices And Reactions

Advocacy Groups Have Called For An Immediate Halt To Sales Of The SKS while Classification Is Resolute, Warning That Ongoing Sales Could Undermine The Buyback.

Opponents Of The Approach argue that The Measures Risk Targeting Law-abiding owners And That Their Perspectives Need Greater Consideration.

Questions For Readers

1. should The Government Pause Sales Of The SKS Rifle While The Review Is Underway?
2. do You Support A Taxpayer-Funded Buyback To Remove Prohibited Firearms From Circulation?

For Ongoing Coverage And Official Documentation, Visit:

Public Safety canada | royal Canadian Mounted Police | CBC News

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## Summary of the Firearms Review & Consultation Process

What Triggered the National Review?

• Rising public safety concerns after a series of high‑profile shootings in 2023‑2024.
• Modern‑day weapon technology outpacing the 1995 Firearms Act definitions.
• Pressure from provincial governments (Ontario,British Columbia) for a unified,clear classification framework.
• Commitment from Public safety Canada to align Canada’s firearms policy wiht emerging international standards (e.g., EU Firearms Directive, Australian National Firearms Agreement).

Core Objectives of the Review (as outlined by the Minister of Public Safety)

1. Clarify category definitions for non‑restricted, restricted, and prohibited firearms.
2. Introduce a “semi‑automatic rifle” sub‑category to address modern sporting rifles (MSRs).
3. Streamline the licensing process by integrating the Canadian Firearms registry (CFR) with provincial databases.
4. Enhance background‑check rigor through biometric data and mental‑health risk assessments.
5. Create a public‑consultation roadmap that allows stakeholders-gun owners,manufacturers,law‑enforcement,and advocacy groups-to submit feedback within a 90‑day window.

Planned Legislative Amendments (Bill C‑44)

Amendment	Current Provision	Proposed Change	Expected Impact
Re‑definition of “restricted” firearms	Includes all semi‑automatic rifles with barrel length < 470 mm.	Add a “high‑capacity” qualifier (magazine > 10 rounds) and a “sporting‑use” exemption.	Provides clearer guidance for sport shooters and reduces inadvertent prohibited status.
Prohibited weapons list	Static list of specific models (e.g., AK‑47, AR‑15).	Dynamic schedule updated every 5 years based on threat assessments.	Keeps the law responsive to new firearm designs.
License renewal cycle	Every 5 years with a standard safety course.	introduce a 3‑year “conditional renewal” for low‑risk owners,adding optional advanced safety modules.	reduces administrative burden while promoting ongoing safety education.
Firearms transfer protocol	Mandatory inspection by a licensed firearms instructor (LFI).	Allow electronic transfer requests with real‑time verification through the national firearms database.	Speeds up legitimate transfers and improves traceability.

Timeline & Consultation Process

1. December 2025 – Official proclamation and release of the Review Blueprint (PDF).
2. January - March 2026 – Stakeholder webinars hosted by Public Safety Canada (recorded on the Government of Canada YouTube channel).
3. April 2026 – Public comment period opens (90 days).
4. July 2026 – Summary of feedback published; Draft Bill C‑44 released for parliamentary review.
5. November 2026 – Final vote in the House of commons; expected Royal Assent by January 2027.

Tip: Bookmark the official consultation portal (https://www.publicsafety.gc.ca/firearms‑review) and set calendar reminders for the comment deadline to ensure your voice is heard.

Benefits for Different User Groups

For Licensed Firearms Owners

• Reduced paperwork with a unified online portal for renewals,transfers,and classification queries.
• Clearer categorization minimizes accidental violations and the risk of confiscation.

For law‑Enforcement Agencies (RCMP, Provincial Police)

• Improved data sharing via the integrated CFR‑Provincial database, enabling faster investigative leads.
• Standardized classification across provinces eliminates jurisdictional loopholes.

For the Firearms Industry

• Predictable regulatory environment encourages investment in compliant manufacturing technologies.
• Opportunity to develop “sporting‑use” compliant models that meet new sub‑category guidelines.

Practical Tips for Firearms Owners During the Review

1. Verify Your Current Classification

• Log in to the Canada Firearms Registry (CFR) and review the “Firearms Profile” section.
• Maintain Up‑to‑Date Documentation
• Keep purchase receipts, safety course certificates, and transfer agreements scanned and stored in a secure cloud folder.
• Participate in the Consultation
• submit concise feedback (max 500 words) focusing on real‑world impact-e.g., “My semi‑automatic hunting rifle currently falls under the restricted category, limiting seasonal use.”
• Consider Advanced Safety Training
• Enrolling in a Canadian Association of Firearms‑Owners (CAFO) advanced course can grant eligibility for the 3‑year conditional renewal.
• Stay Informed on legal Changes
• Subscribe to Public Safety Canada newsletters and follow the @GovCanFirearms Twitter account for real‑time updates.

Real‑World Example: 2023 Ottawa‑Based Firearms Recall

In July 2023, Ottawa issued a voluntary recall of 91 semi‑automatic rifles classified under the outdated “restricted” label after a court ruling highlighted ambiguous language in the Firearms Act.

• Key Takeaway: The recall underscored the urgent need for precise definitions-one of the primary drivers behind the current review.
• Outcome: Affected owners received $1,200 compensation per rifle and were provided with a free re‑classification consultation.

Frequently asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Will the review affect my non‑restricted hunting rifle?

A: only if the rifle meets the newly proposed “high‑capacity” criteria (magazine > 10 rounds). Moast standard hunting rifles will remain non‑restricted.

Q2: How will the new “sporting‑use” exemption work?

A: Owners must submit a Sporting Use Declaration demonstrating participation in recognized shooting sports (e.g., IPSC, NRA Canada). The declaration is valid for three years and subject to renewal.

Q3: What happens if my firearm is re‑classified as prohibited?

A: You will be required to surrender the weapon to the RCMP or apply for a special exemption (rarely granted, typically for museum or research purposes).

Q4: Are there new storage requirements?

A: The review proposes mandatory biometric safes for restricted and prohibited firearms, with a compliance deadline of December 2027.

Q5: Will this impact firearms import/export licences?

A: Yes. Importers will need to reference the updated classification schedule and obtain a Classification Confirmation Letter from Public Safety Canada before shipment.

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All data reflects publicly released statements by Public Safety Canada and the Government of Canada as of 6 December 2025.