FIREARMS ACQUISTION CERTIFICATION INFORMATION Submitted by David Bartlett (ak409) TO ACQUIRE FIREARMS, YOU NEED A FIREARMS ACQUISITION CERTIFICATE (FAC) You need a Firearms Acquisition Certificate before you can acquire a firearm. It must be presented whenever you buy, borrow or trade a firearm or if you receive one as a gift. Having an FAC allows you to purchase or acquire firearms anywhere in Canada for a five year period. You do not need an FAC unless you intend to acquire a firearm or register a restricted weapon. HOW TO OBTAIN AN FAC Application forms are available from your local police and must be returned to the appropriate police agency once completed. You will be advised by your local police where to submit your completed application. An application will only be considered when it is entirely answered, properly signed and accompanied by: - a current photograph which accurately identifies you. You may be required to appear in person at some point before the issuance of the FAC so that the firearms officer may be satisfied as to your identification; - the names of two references; - proof you have successfully completed a firearms safety training course or test, or have been certified as competent to use a firearm (effective July, 1993) and - the appropriate fee, as follows: $25 Initial application $50 Renewal of a valid FAC (before expiry) including replacement of a lost or stolen FAC $0 Sustenance application (where applicants can prove they need a firearm to hunt or trap to sustain themselves or their family). All fees are payable upon application and are non-refundable, even if your application is refused. Once the completed application form and the other required information have been received, the 28-day waiting period will begin (except in the case of renewals). This will allow sufficient time for your FAC application to be evaluated and a decision made by the firearms officer. Your completed application will be treated as confidential. Only persons involved in administering the firearms laws will have access. THE NEW LAW PROVIDES FOR THE INCREASED SCREENING OF FAC APPLICANTS Studies of past tragedies have shown that certain individuals are at a greater risk to themselves or others. Therefore, more detailed information is now required as part of the application process. The questions that will be asked an applicant are intended to uncover a number of indicators to screen out individuals who are at a greater degree of risk, and as a result, avoid future tragedies in the home or elsewhere. REFERENCES As part of the screening process for an FAC application, you must provide the names of two references who have known you for three years or more and who can confirm the information you supply on the application form. Individuals who can act as references include: - an employer or fellow employee; - a minister of religion authorized to perform marriages; - an aboriginal chief, councillor or tribal elder; - a full-time manager or signing officer of a bank, trust company, credit union or caisse populaire; - a judge or justice; - a police officer, police constable, sheriff or deputy sheriff, game warden or wildlife biologist employed by the government; - a member of the Senate, House of Commons or legislature of a province or territory - a mayor reeve, warden or municipal clerk, a member of a council or board of trustees of a municipality or member of a board of an educational authority; - a doctor or other health care practitioner as defined by the Canada Health Act; - a social worker or alcohol/drug addiction counsellor; - a full-time commissioned officer of the Canadian Forces; - a person in a licensed or accredited occupation or profession such as a lawyer, engineer, electrician, plumber, teacher; and - the applicant's spouse, if the spouse is 18 years of age or older. References are being asked to confirm information to the best of their knowledge. The law provides protection from civil liability. COMMUNITY CHECKS It is also possible, when you apply for an FAC, that the firearms officer may interview neighbours, community or social workers, your spouse, dependents or any other person who may know you. The officer may, in addition, request more information. This enables a firearms officer to screen your application more thoroughly. MINORS PERMITS Minors Permits require the consent of a parent or guardian. They allow youth 12 years of age or over but under the age of 18 to possess and use firearms. The permit allow young people to use such firearms under a number of supervised conditions such as target practice, hunting or instruction in the use of firearms. Young people who hunt or trap to sustain themselves or their families may obtain Minors Permits with no conditions of supervision required. All Minors Permits are issued free of charge. The use of a firearm by a minor is also subject to provincial or territorial legislation (eg.: hunting laws). SAFETY TRAINING COURSES BECOME MANDATORY AFTER JULY 1, 1993. After July 1, 1993, when applying for a Firearms Acquisition Certificate, you must prove that you have successfully completed a course or test in the safe handling and use of firearms and the laws relating to them. A firearms officer has the discretion to certify competence without a course or test if you have owned a firearm since January 1, 1979, when the FAC provision first became law. However, you must still establish that you are competent in the safe use and handling of a firearm and know the laws relating to them. Once competence is verified, the course or test is valid indefinitely, except in cases there a prohibition order has been issued against the FAC holder. APPEALS If your FAC application is refused, the police must notify you in writing and explain why you were refused. If you wish to appeal, you must do so in writing within 30 days of receiving the notice. OFFENSES AND PENALTIES It is currently an offence under the Criminal Code to: - obtain a firearm without a Firearms Acquisition Certificate; - make false statements to obtain a certificate (applicant or reference); - alter, deface or falsify a certificate; - import a firearm for, or sell, barter, give, lend, transfer or deliver a firearms to a person without a Firearms Acquisition Certificate; - use, carry, handle, ship, store or transport a firearm in a careless manner; or - fail to report a lost or stolen firearm. Penalties for these offenses range from a fine to imprisonment for up to two years. It is important not to confuse the Firearms Acquisition Certificate with a Restricted Weapon Registration Certificate. If the firearm you plan to acquire is a restricted weapon, such as a handgun or restricted semi-automatic military rifle, you must first obtain a Firearms Acquisition Certificate and then apply to obtain a Restricted Weapon Registration Certificate. If you want to use, carry or transport such a firearm, permits are required. The safety of all Canadians is the primary goal of the new provisions relating to Firearms Acquisition Certificate. These provisions will help protect both users and non-users of guns by ensuring that only responsible individuals can acquire firearms. ------------------------------------------------------------------- For further information or to obtain hard copies of this brochure, contact your local firearms officer or police service of the Office of the Chief Provincial or Territorial Firearms Officer. source: Dept. of Justice Canada brochure Cat. No. J2-112/4-1992 NOTE: Your local gun club can also provide assistance and training to help you through the system. Many local firearms officers will give a less then warm reception to individuals who are acquiring a long gun or restricted firearm for the first time. Have a little patience and you'll get through the process. After the first time you will find that most firearms officers in the National Capital 2Region are quite helpful.