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New Requirements for Visitors Bringing Firearms into Canada

OTTAWA, December 22, 2000 �?The Honourable Anne McLellan, Minister of Justice and Attorney General for Canada today announced the coming into force of new requirements for visitors bringing firearms into Canada.

The Firearms Act requires every firearm owner in Canada to have a licence or valid Firearms Acquisition Certificate by January 1, 2001.

"These requirements will ensure that visitors coming to Canada are under the same obligations as Canadian residents regarding firearms," said Minister McLellan.

As of January 1, 2001, visitors who do not have a Canadian firearms licence will need to report their firearms to customs at the border, complete a non- resident firearms declaration form in triplicate, have it confirmed by a customs officer and pay a $50 (Canadian) fee.

Once confirmed, this declaration form will act as a temporary licence and registration certificate while in Canada and is valid for 60 days. Visitors may renew their temporary licence any time during a 12-month period without paying an additional fee. Unlicensed non-residents who plan to borrow a firearm in Canada must obtain a Temporary Borrowing Licence.

Visitors will be able to purchase ammunition with Canadian firearms licence, a confirmed firearms declaration form or a Temporary Borrowing Licence.

Copies of the non-resident Firearms Declaration Form are available by calling 1-800-731-4000, or at the border, or at www.cfc.gc.ca under "visitors". The Temporary Firearms Borrower's licence (non-residents) forms are available by calling 1-800-731- 4000 or at www.cfc.gfc.ca under "visitors". The Borrower's form must be completed before arrival into Canada and the cost of the licence is $30 (Canadian).

Firearm owners visiting Canada will be subject to the same safe storage and transportation regulations as Canadian firearm owners. They are prevented from bringing in firearms that are prohibited in Canada and restricted firearms will require an Authorization to Transport before they arrive at the border.

"These public safety measures apply to all Canadians and to visitors. We will continue to work closely with members of the firearms community to ensure that the law is applied fairly and with as little disruption to visitors and outfitters as possible," said McLellan.

While the licensing provisions and new requirements are coming into effect on January 1, 2001, certain sections of the regulations governing public agents and the import/ export requirements are being deferred until Jan.1, 2003.

Firearm licence applications are available at local post offices or by calling 1 800-731- 4000.

Ref.:

Farah Mohamed
Director of Communications
Minister McLellan's Office
(613) 992-4621

David Austin
Communications and Public Affairs
Canadian Firearms Centre
(613) 941-5371

Chantale Breton
Canadian Firearms Centre
(613) 946-3116