The acquisition of firearms in any country is a matter that needs proper handling, since firearms have their advantages as well as serious disadvantages. The problem would arise when the access to firearms is very easy, since for such a case, falling in the wrong hands would be a disaster. However, in order to make the right choice, Governments such as the Canadian Government has set up several regulations that will be aimed at promoting safe handling of the firearms as well as knowledge of the same.
The following are some of the features of the Canadian firearms licenses:
In Canada, there are three types of firearm licenses and these include the Possession and Acquisition License (PAL), the Possession Only License (POL), and the Minors License. The above licenses apply to different individuals and special circumstances.
The holders of firearms in Canada ought to go through a safety-handling course, one where the Government, through the Chief Arms Officer can prove that a firearm holder has knowledge of how to handle the firearm that he or she has, and that he or she is competent in all safety procedures and storage measures.
In addition, if anyone will be allowed to handle a firearm in Canada, he or she ought to have an understanding of the firearms that are restricted in Canada, as well as the laws and regulations surrounding the handling of firearms in the country.
In order to qualify for any licensing, an individual must submit his or her passport size photo as well as copies of personal information to criminal records checks, reference checks, as well as background checks. This is important because it aims at eliminating the chances that the one acquiring the firearm has criminal charges, and in case of any criminal activity, tracing him or her will be easy.
For the acquisition of any of the licenses, an individual is expected to pay an amount set by the state, normally $60 or $80, depending on the license that one wants to acquire.
The Minors license is a special type of license that makes it legal for minors between the age of 12 years and 18 years to have access to ammunition. Since the level of responsibility of a child is much lower than that of an adult, the child must go through all the firearms security and safety courses, and the Chief Firearms Officer must approve the license.
This license is given to minors who engage in hunting activities for sustenance, or for competitive shooting games.