Canada’s robust firearms import/export regulations already comply with the recommendations of the UN Firearms Protocol – the Criminal Code Firearms Marking Regulation goes too far.
On June 1st, 2017 Canada’s Criminal Code Firearms Marking Regulation, passed into law in 2004, will come into force. The Firearms Marking Regulation is the Canadian Government’s interpretation of the recommendations contained in the UN Firearms Protocol, which Canada signed in 2001.
The goal of the UN Firearms Protocol is laudable – preventing shipments of small arms from illegally ending up in conflict zones around the world – one which Canada’s sporting arms industry supports. However, it is our position that Canada’s Firearms Marking Regulation is both unnecessary and deeply flawed. The Coming-into-Force of this regulation as written will cause catastrophic damage to thousands of licenced and lawful Canadian small businesses operating in the shooting sports sector.
READ THE FULL POSITION STATEMENT HERE:
CSAAA Position Statement on Canada’s Firearms Marking Regulation
It is the position of the CSAAA that Canada’s Firearms Marking Regulations adds nothing to Canada’s already robust import/export regulation nor would post import marking add anything to ability of domestic or foreign law enforcement authorities to trace firearms entering or leaving the country. All firearms imported into to Canada or exported from Canada can be easily tracked through the import/export process by virtue of their unique serial number.
More importantly the Firearms Marking Regulations jeopardize a small business community at a time when our domestic economy is already vulnerable and should be the government’s top priority. The loss of these businesses/employers would mostly affect smaller, rural and northern communities – all of which the government have said are key areas of focus and investment.
The CSAAA, along with its industry partner, the CSSA, remain strongly opposed to the implementation of the Firearms Marking Regulations and respectfully request an opportunity to continue discussions of this issue with the office of the Minister of Public Safety at the Minister’s very earliest convenience.
Submitted by the CSAAA Firearms Marking Committee
Spyros Chrysochou, General Manager, Stoeger Canada (Chairperson), CSAAA Member
Mark Clifford, Regional Sales Representative, Korth Group, CSAAA Board of Directors
Steve Clouthier, Sales Manager National Accounts, VISTA Outdoor, CSAAA Board of Directors
Steve Dorey, Vice President Sales Canada, Big Rock Sports, CSAAA Member
Sean Hansen, President Freedom Ventures, CSAAA Member
John Hipwell, President, Wolverine Supplies, CSAAA Member
Hugo Laliberté, Senior Vice President, Gravel Agency, CSAAA Member
Daniel Legault, General Manager, Browning Canada, CSAAA Member
Scott Pulvermacher, Senior Product Merchant Hunting/Firearms, Wholesale Sports, CSAAA Member
Wes Winkel, President Ellwood Epps Sporting Goods, President CSAAA Board of Directors
For more information contact:
Alison de Groot
Managing Director
705-875-2302
[email protected]
or
Tony Bernardo
Director Government Relations
905-571-2150
[email protected]