Via E-Mail – May 2, 2008

Mr. Young,

In response to your question I am pleased to offer you the following information. The content of this letter should in no way be construed as legal advice and is provided to you for your use. Anyone needing legal advice should consult private legal counsel.

The Firearms Licences Regulations SOR/98-199, enacted under the authority of the Firearms Act, S.C. 1995, c. 39, provide that an individual is eligible to hold a possession licence (POL) if, amongst other conditions, the individual has lawfully and continuously possessed a firearm that is neither a prohibited firearm nor a restricted firearm. Therefore, the requirement for the holder of a POL to have at least one firearm registered in their own name appears to be imposed by policy.

Please find attached a link to the relevant statute and associated regulations, as well as to other links which may be of use to you.

Should you require further information on this or any other subject, please do not hesitate to contact the Parliamentary Information and Research Service.

Mathieu Stanton
Analyst / Analyste
PIRS / SIRP
Law and Gov. Division /
Division du droit et gouv.

Firearms Act ( 1995, c. 39 )
http://lois.justice.gc.ca/en/ShowTdm/cs/F-11.6///en

Highlights of Canada's Firearms Laws
http://www.cfc-cafc.gc.ca/pol-leg/highlights_e.asp

Licensing
http://www.cfc-cafc.gc.ca/info_for-renseignement/Licensing/default_e.asp

2006 Report of the Commissioner of Firearms
http://www.cfc-cafc.gc.ca/media/reports/rapport2006report/html/rep2006_sec3_e.asp