Deferral of Firearms Markings Regulations

November 9, 2018
Ottawa, Ontario
Public Safety Canada

Keeping communities safe and reducing violent crime is a priority for the Government of Canada.

The existing Firearms Marking Regulations under the Firearms Act, scheduled to come into force on December 1, 2018, are being deferred until December 1, 2020.

The Government is continuing work to develop an effective markings regime that enables law enforcement to effectively trace crime guns, without imposing undue constraints or costs on firearms owners and businesses. Detailed information regarding the deferral will be available in the edition of the Canada Gazette Part II on November 28^th, 2018.

Gun violence and criminal use of guns is a complex issue and there is no one solution to address it. The Government of Canada has a comprehensive approach to reduce gun violence, including:

• Investing $327.6 million over five years, and $100 million annually thereafter for initiatives to reduce gun and gang violence;
• Common-sense legislation to strengthen Canada’s firearms laws;
• Hosting a Summit on Gun and Gang Violence to hear from—and work with— provinces and territories, cities, police, border officials, and community groups;
• Leading engagement activities on reducing violent crime, a dialogue on handguns and assault weapons, to identify gaps, challenges and ideas to help inform further measures.