What are the license requirements needed to carry a gun for personal protection in Canada?

sportsherald

I have no personal experience with this, but the Regulations of the Firearms Act limit the carrying of a gun to individuals who need it for their work, are somehow in need of protection beyond that that the police can provide, and who pas the registration requirements. To quote directly from the regulations: "CIRCUMSTANCES IN WHICH AN INDIVIDUAL NEEDS RESTRICTED FIREARMS OR PROHIBITED HANDGUNS FOR THE PURPOSE OF SECTION 20 OF THE ACT Protection of Life 2. For the purpose of section 20 of the Act, the circumstances in which an individual needs restricted firearms or prohibited handguns to protect the life of that individual or of other individuals are where (a) the life of that individual, or other individuals, is in imminent danger from one or more other individuals; (b) police protection is not sufficient in the circumstances; and (c) the possession of a restricted firearm or prohibited handgun can reasonably be justified for protecting the individual or other individuals from death or grievous bodily harm. Lawful Profession or Occupation 3. For the purpose of section 20 of the Act, the circumstances in which an individual needs restricted firearms or prohibited handguns for use in connection with his or her lawful profession or occupation are where (a) the individual's principal activity is the handling, transportation or protection of cash, negotiable instruments or other goods of substantial value, and firearms are required for the purpose of protecting his or her life or the lives of other individuals in the course of that handling, transportation or protection activity; (b) the individual is working in a remote wilderness area and firearms are required for the protection of the life of that individual or of other individuals from wild animals; or (c) the individual is engaged in the occupation of trapping in a province and is licensed or authorized and trained as required by the laws of the province. PART 2 AUTHORIZATIONS TO CARRY Issuance 4. A chief firearms officer shall not issue to an individual an authorization to carry a particular restricted firearm or prohibited handgun that is needed in the circumstances described in section 2 or paragraph 3(a) unless the chief firearms officer determines that (a) the individual has successfully completed training in firearms proficiency and the use of force that is appropriate for using the firearm in those circumstances; and (b) the firearm is appropriate in those circumstances." -from http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/SOR-98-207/FullText.html Also of interest are the notes provided by the RCMP generally on obtaining firearms: "Licence Requirements Businesses and individuals need a valid firearms licence to be able to possess (own, borrow or store) a firearm in Canada. They must keep their licence up to date and renew it before the expiry date if they possess firearms. Individuals must be at least 18 years old to get a licence that will allow them to own or to acquire a firearm. Minors aged 12 to 17 can get a minors' licence that will allow them to possess a non-restricted rifle or shotgun, but a licensed adult must be responsible for the firearm. The Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL) is the only licence now available to new applicants over 18 years old. An existing Possession-Only Licence can be renewed, but new ones are not being issued. Applicants for a PAL or a Minors' Licence must meet specific training requirements in the safe use and handling of a firearm. All licence applicants must pass a public-safety check. A computer link between the Canadian Firearms Information System (CFIS) and the national police database helps to speed up the process and allows for continuous checks of licence holders. As part of the background check, spouses and common-law partners with whom a PAL applicant has lived within the previous two years may be notified of the application to find out if they have any concerns about their own or someone else's safety." -from http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/cfp-pcaf/pol-leg/hl-fs-eng.htm Aug 12 12, 5:59 PM