Because of confusion over the gun amnesty program, an extension has been proposed.
The amnesty was to expire on May 16, 2008 but will be extended for another year, according to Vol. 141, No. 14, April 7, 2007, Canada Gazette, entitled, “Order Amending the Order Declaring an Amnesty Period (2006).”
The Gazette states:
“Owners of long guns whose licences have expired after Jan. 1, 2004, or for which the registration certificate has expired, in a number of cases seem to have failed to understand that police can seize any long guns for which the owner does not have a valid licence or registration under the Firearms Act.
“They do not seem to have realized that the only protection that the Amnesty Order 2006 provides to them is protection from liability for certain offences under the Criminal Code and that even that protection is only available if they are taking certain steps to bring themselves into compliance with the Firearms Act.”
That confusion spilled into an article that appeared in the April 2 edition of the Fort Frances Times about the upcoming Barwick Gun and Hobby Show.
The article quoted a statement that suggested people could buy a gun, take it home, and register it online. That is not the case.
Anyone buying a gun at the show must hold a valid Possession and Acquisition License (PAL) to obtain a registration certificate.
Section 101 of the Criminal Code of Canada states that it is an offence to transfer a firearm other than under the authority of the Firearms Act.
Section 23 of the Firearms Act states that a person may transfer a firearm if the transferee has a PAL and the person informs the registrar of the transfer.
But the confusion is unlikely to go away. The Harper government has legislation before the House of Commons that will repeal the requirement to obtain a registration certificate for non-restricted firearms.
But just to be clear, the Canada Gazette states:
“The Amending Order does not have the effect of suspending the requirement in the current legislation, which requires long-gun owners to be licensed and to hold registration certificates.”
Meanwhile gun show organizer Scott Stafford does not expect this confusion to have any effect at all on the planned gun show in Barwick on Saturday, May 3.
“I’m more concerned with finding a couple more qualified measurers for the big antler contest. A couple of the guys who planned to come aren’t able to make it,” he noted.
“Measuring is time-consuming and we are getting a lot of interest in the contest,” Stafford added.
The show also will feature ATVs and boats from Tompkins Hardware. Borderland Esso will be bringing two ATVs, one with a pull-behind plow, while Pro-Shine will be there with a MiniTruck by Suzuki.
Stafford noted all of the tables are booked and there is a waiting list.
Anyone qualified to measure antlers, and is willing to help out, should call Stafford at 1-807-487-1421.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
