In 1992, Canadians owned some six million firearms. Each year, more than 180,000 new firearms licences are issued. Since December 1, 1988, the firearms licence has replaced the Firearms Acquisition Certificate. The great number of firearms in circulation, together with the steady increase in the number of firearms enthusiasts, prompted the public to ask the government for more stringent safety standards and greater skills from firearm holders. That is why, in 1994, the Canadian Firearms Safety Course was created by the Federal Department of Justice, in collaboration with the provinces and the territories.

This course became also a part of the module mandatory for Québec Hunters with a firearm. Anyone who has taken this course can apply for a firearms licence by submitting the certificate attesting to the successful completion of the Canadian Firearms Safety Course or the firearm hunter’s certificate (coded F). To pass this course, the candidate must, on the one hand, demonstrate a knowledge of the legislation concerning the safe possession, transportation, storage and use of firearms and, on the other hand, pass the written and practical exams to demonstrate his proficiency in handling a firearm in a safe and responsible manner. For more in-depth information on the Act and the regulations pertaining to firearms, you can contact the Canada Firearms Centre at 1 800 731-4000.

Objectives

At the end of this course, participants will:

• have acquired greater respect for their social responsibilities as firearm owners and users;
• be able to comply with firearms regulations;
• know how to safely store, transport, handle and use firearms and ammunition.

Content

The content of the Canadian Firearms Safety Course comprises a series of lessons given in the classroom and the study of a manual distributed prior to the course. At the end of the course, written and practical exams measure the knowledge acquired by participants. This course places special emphasis on the safe storage, display, handling, transportation and use of firearms.

Length and passing grade

A course of the Canadian Firearms Safety Course module lasts approximately 10 hours and is broken down as follows:

• course content: 7 ½ hours (for a maximum of 30 participants)
• theoretical exam (50 questions): 1 hour
• practical exam (individual): 1 ½ hours for a maximum of 30 participants

The passing grade of the theoretical and practical exams is 80%.

Registration cost (2012)

• $71 (includes all the elements required for the training, plus all taxes)

To obtain additional information on the Canadian Firearms Safety Course or to find out the schedule of the courses, consult the web site of the Fédération québécoise des chasseurs et pêcheurs.