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By LegalMatters Staff • Anyone over the age of 18 can purchase and possess a firearm in Canada provided they have completed a firearms safety course and have a Possession and Acquisition Licence.
That allows them to own a conventional rifle or shotgun. However, if they want to buy a handgun or a restricted weapon they must hold a Restricted Possession and Acquisition Licence.
Youths between the ages of 12 to 17 can apply for a Minor’s Licence.
“This licence allows youths to borrow non-restricted firearms for approved purposes such as organized shooting competitions, hunting or target practice,” says Calgary criminal lawyer Greg Dunn. “They can also purchase ammunition unless there is an age restriction under provincial or territorial law.”
He says a Firearms Officer may interview Minor Licence applicants or their parents to ensure the parents are comfortable with their child using firearms.
“Any restricted or prohibited firearm used by a minor must be registered to an adult who has a valid firearms licence for that class of firearm,” says Dunn.
He explains that any youth can use any class of firearm without a licence as long as they are under the direct and immediate supervision of someone licensed to own that firearm.
“This exemption applies to cadets and members of other youth organizations who are learning about the use of firearms or those participating in target practice,” says Dunn. “It also applies to young people who go hunting or who use restricted or prohibited firearms in organized shooting competitions.”
