Statement from Minister Lang on the appointment of a dedicated Chief Firearms Officer for the Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut

Minister of Justice Laura Lang has issued the following statement:

“I welcome the announcement from Public Safety Canada to at long last appoint a Chief Firearms Officer – CFO – for the Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut.

“Our government has consistently advocated on behalf of Yukon and northern firearm owners for a CFO and accompanying federal investment, and for the position to be based in Whitehorse.

“A dedicated, in-territory CFO presence should improve and expand the delivery of programs and services as part of the administration of the federal Firearms Act and the Canadian Firearms Program for responsible Yukon firearm owners.

“Some of this role’s important work includes:

• overseeing licensing;
• facilitating transfers of restricted and prohibited firearms, including Olympic exemptions;
• granting authorizations to transport and carry;
• conducting approvals and inspections of shooting ranges; and
• facilitating the delivery of the Canadian Firearms Safety Course and the Canadian Restricted Firearms Safety Course.

“The establishment of a northern CFO is a positive development. We look forward to working with our territorial colleagues and the federal government on the implementation of this position to meet identified needs across the North.

“We are also hopeful Yukon firearm owners see tangible benefits from a consistent CFO presence, compared to the previous intermittent service from a CFO located outside the Yukon.

“Over the last several years and during various public discussions held this summer on forthcoming Yukon firearms legislation, the creation of a Yukon-based CFO was a theme we heard consistently from many Yukon firearm owners, in addition to a desire for continued advocacy in opposition to the federal Assault-Style Firearms Compensation Program.

“Our government will continue to support Yukon firearm owners and be clear with the Government of Canada about the impacts unreasonable federal firearms policies, including prohibitions, have on many Yukoners.

“We look forward to continuing this advocacy by advancing territorial firearms legislation. We will ensure legislation reflects the fact that activities like hunting, trapping, target shooting and shooting sports, and being on the land, are not just recreation; they are core parts of northern culture, livelihoods and, in many communities, integral to meeting survival and nutritional needs.”