Youths can legally use a firearm provided an adult is supervising

Criminal Law /
Céline Dostaler
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By LegalMatters Staff • The legal age for firearm ownership across Canada is eighteen, even in situations where a shotgun or rifle is given as a gift or as part of an inheritance. But there is more flexibility in the law when it comes to using firearms for sport shooting.

“Those under 18 can fire a rifle or shotgun, provided they are under the immediate supervision of an adult who has a Possession and Acquisition Licence,” says Ottawa criminal lawyer Céline Dostlaer. “That adult has to be close enough to them that they can take immediate action to prevent any unsafe or illegal use of the firearm.”

She says youths aged 12 to 17 can apply for a Minor’s Licence to borrow a non-restricted firearm (ordinary rifles and shotguns) for activities such as hunting or target shooting.

“Licensed minors can use a handgun if they are under the supervision of someone licensed to have that class of firearm,” says Dostaler. “A Minor’s Licence also permits the acquisition of ammunition, unless there is an age restriction under provincial or territorial law.”

If a minor uses a firearm to commit an offence, that will be considered an aggravating factor when it comes to sentencing, she says.

“The maximum sentence under the Youth Criminal Justice Act is 10 years, though serious crimes committed by youth can be dealt with by the regular court system with life sentences possible,” says Dostaler.