Firearms and public safety: Addressing risk
Are you in danger either from someone who has access to firearms – or are you worried about what you might do with the firearms you have access to?
Here are options to help keep yourself and others safe.
Calling 9-1-1
Always call 9-1-1 or your local police emergency number in an emergency. Police can remove someone's firearms, firearm licenses, or weapons if they believe there is a risk to anyone's safety. Police can also apply to a local court for a prohibition order to prevent someone from accessing firearms or weapons for up to 5 years when they may be danger to themselves or others. If they do, the firearm owner will be notified and may be present for the hearing.
If you or someone you know are experiencing thoughts of suicide or hopelessness, you can also call or text 9-8-8, for support. The 9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline is available across Canada, 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
"Red flag" laws
You or someone on your behalf can apply to a local court for an emergency prohibition order to prevent someone from accessing firearms or weapons for up to 30 days when they may be a danger to themselves or others.
You can also apply for an emergency limitations on access order. This sets rules on a person's possession or use of firearms or weapons for up to 30 days. These rules will help prevent someone else from accessing them if prohibited from doing so.
To protect those involved in applying for an emergency prohibition order, the person that is the subject of an application is not notified and does not participate in the hearings. If one of these orders is granted, the judge could also set a hearing date for a longer order.
Steps can be taken to protect your identity during this process. For more information, visit Public Safety's website or contact your local court.
Safer storage for firearms owners
All firearm owners must store firearms safely to prevent accidents, loss, and theft. The Canadian Firearms Program provides details on safe and secure firearm storage requirements.
If you feel you pose safety risk to yourself or others, you may temporarily store your firearms with another licensed firearms owner or business. The person or business storing the items must be licensed for that kind of firearm and have appropriate storage for it.
Restricted and prohibited firearms can be transported to temporary storage locations for this purpose with some additional steps. You must obtain an Authorization to Transport and keep registration certificates with the firearms at all times.
For more information, contact the Canadian Firearms Program at 1-800-731-4000 or by e-mail at cfp-pcaf@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.
Reporting other concerns
You can report other firearm-related concerns including those related to storage, transportation, use, and more to the Canadian Firearms Program at 1-800-731-4000 or by e-mail at cfp-pcaf@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.
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