People here haven’t been turning in their firearms rather than go through the hassle of getting a licence for them, Fort Frances O.P.P. said yesterday.
“We haven’t had an influx of firearms turned in. But we have had a number of inquiries at the front desk here,” noted Cst. Cameron Howard.
“So far, I don’t think people have had a problem with getting licensed for firearms,” he added.
The O.P.P. is encouraging those with questions to call the federal firearms centre in New Brunswick at 1-800-731-4000.
But Cst. Howard admitted things might change as the 2003 deadline for people to register their firearms gets closer.
“I think we’ll have an number of firearms come in then,” he said. “People should be registering their firearms now but they have to until then.”
Meanwhile, Cst. Howard reminded people the deadline to have their firearms licence has been extended to June, 2001. He said those who have applied for a licence and not received it yet should be patient.
“On a personal note, I’d requested a possession and acquisition licence in October and not received anything. So I called them up and found out they are behind,” he remarked.
“As long as people have applied before Dec. 31, they should be okay,” he added. “It’s going to be on an ongoing basis that people receive a response.”
Until June 31, gun owners can use their current licence until they receive their possession and acquisition licence.
After then, all gun owners in Canada must be licensed. The punishment for non-compliance is up to five years in jail and the seizure of their firearms.
A total of 24 firearms have been turned in to the Kenora O.P.P. and Kenora Police Service since September.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
