FEDERAL LEGISLATION
The Cree Trappers’ Association continued with their mandate in collaboration with Federation de Quebecoise de la Faune (FQF) to provide the Canadian Firearms Safety Course to its members and public at large. The Firearms Act requires “that individuals wishing to acquire non-restricted firearms must take the Canadian Firearms Safety Course (CFSC) and pass the tests or challenge and pass the CFSC tests without taking the course”. The course stresses safe storage, display, transportation, handling and use of non-restricted firearms.

The Association also assists its membership in applying for firearm licenses and with the registration of their firearms. The Firearms Act requires all firearms owners to hold a valid firearms license and registration certificate for each firearm they have. These requirements have not changed.

Also there was a demand for an “Introduction to Hunting with Firearms Course”. The Association, again with the collaboration with the Federation de Quebecoise de la Faune (FQF) was able to provide this course. This course was given to the Cree that wished to hunt outside the Eeyou Istchee because in Quebec, a resident must hold a hunter’s certificate (code F) to be able to purchase a hunting license. This certificate is issued only after the student has successfully passed the Canadian Firearms Safety Course.

The Cree Trappers’ Association was able to implement their mandate to the Firearm Safety aspect of the Federal Firearms Legislation with the Funds provided by the Department of Indian Affairs.

In 1992, Canadians owned some six million firearms. Each year, more than 180,000 new firearms licences are issued. Since December 1, 1988, the firearms licence has replaced the Firearms Acquisition Certificate. The great number of firearms in circulation, together with the steady increase in the number of firearms enthusiasts, prompted the public to ask the government for more stringent safety standards and greater skills from firearm holders. That is why, in 1994, the Canadian Firearms Safety Course was created by the Federal Department of Justice, in collaboration with the provinces and the territories.

NEW PROVINCIAL FIREARM LEGISLATION (unofficial CTA translation)
Hunters and Trappers: New Regulations Concerning Firearms

Are you a hunter or a trapper? These regulations concern you!

Possession of a firearm on public transport and on chartered transport

Possession of a firearm is prohibited on certain premises of designated institutions, on school buses and on public transit, except transportation by taxi. However, if you are the holder of a permit authorizing the possession of a firearm and you exercise an activity permitted by law, an exemption permits you to travel by:

- motor coach
- shuttle
- train
- aircraft
- ferry

This exemption applies if you do not have any other choices but to use these methods of public transportation given your personal situation or the activity that you wish to participate in.

An exemption also allows you to use chartered transport when this method of transport is retained exclusively by a group in order to exercise an activity permitted by law, such as hunting or trapping.

In all cases, to carry a firearm, you must:

You must also know:

Under no circumstances can public transport, such as metros and city buses, be used to transport a firearm.

The presence of firearms in a residence where daycare services are provided is prohibited. Nevertheless, the presence of firearms maybe authorized under certain conditions. See the Regulations concerning daycare or parents.

Take also notice of the General Regulations and List of Designated Institutions.

Original text (en Français) at the Securité publique Québec web site