Canada regulates firearms through a complex system of licensing, classification, and evolving federal mandates.

Countries & Cities · Published 15 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Canadian gun laws are not a static set of rules but a shifting landscape of federal oversight. From mandatory safety training and background checks to the prohibition of specific firearm models, the system relies on a central licensing program to manage civilian access to non-restricted, restricted, and prohibited weapons.

Firearms regulation in Canada is managed by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police through the Canadian Firearms Program. The framework relies on three distinct classifications: non-restricted, restricted, and prohibited. To legally possess or acquire a firearm, individuals must obtain a possession and acquisition licence. This process involves mandatory safety training, such as the Canadian Firearms Safety Course, where applicants must score at least 80% to pass. First-time applicants are subject to a mandatory 28-day waiting period, alongside enhanced background checks that include interviews with references and current or former conjugal partners.

The legal status of firearms has evolved significantly over time. While handgun registration was introduced in 1934, the 1995 Firearms Act established the current central licensing system. In 2020, following a mass killing in Nova Scotia, the government prohibited approximately 1,500 models of semi-automatic rifles. This list was expanded in 2024 to include over 300 additional models. Furthermore, a national freeze on the sale and transfer of handguns was implemented in 2022. These measures are often accompanied by amnesty periods, allowing owners to remain in compliance while the government works toward buyback programs.

The regulation of firearms is not without controversy or logistical challenges. For instance, a 2025 pilot buyback program on Cape Breton Island saw low participation, with only 25 firearms turned in by 16 individuals out of over 3,500 eligible owners. As of January 2026, the federal government faces resistance from most provinces and territories, which have declined to contribute police resources to the national buyback initiative. These tensions highlight the ongoing debate between federal policy goals and the practical realities of implementation across a diverse country where firearm ownership remains a significant, albeit strictly regulated, aspect of life for millions of licensed individuals.

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