THE TROUBLE WITH FAKE GUNS | Originally broadcast Feb. 27, 2009 on CBC-TV
About Canadian law and gun ownership
Curious about how the law currently deals with real and imitation gun ownership? Here are how things work in Canada as our story went to air:

Real Handguns
Handguns are restricted in Canada. To legally own a handgun you must first obtain a licence. The licencing process includes the completion of the Canadian Firearms Safety Course as well as a criminal and mental background check.

BB Guns
A BB gun that resembles a restricted handgun can be purchased and owned by anyone in Canada according to federal law. Ontario is the only province that restricts the purchase of imitation guns to those over 18 years. Some municipalities have developed their own by-laws restricting the sale and/or use of bb guns.

Airsoft Guns
Airsoft guns that resemble real handguns cannot be imported into or purchased in Canada. However, you can legally own an airsoft gun if you purchased it prior to 1998. Airsoft guns that are made out of transparent plastic and do not imitate real guns are allowed in Canada.

Arrow Click here for more information on the difference between BB and airsoft guns

Related documents:

textRead the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police position paper on replica firearms, which recommends "legislative reform" to deal with the criminal use of replica handguns [PDF 44kb]

textRead the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police resolution on replica firearms, which recommends "banning the manufacture, sale, possession and importation of replica firearms" and "to amend the Criminal Code to include replica firearms as prohibited weapons" [PDF 132kb]
Posted on February 27, 2009 CommentBookmark, Email & Share
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