BILL C-42 PASSING THIRD READING TODAY, ROYAL ASSENT EXPECTED THURSDAY, JUNE 18 - ATT CLARIFICATION UPDATE

During our interview with Minister Blaney we were informed that he will be taking the floor in the Senate this evening to thank the members for voting C-42 through it's third and final reading. Royal Assent is expected to be delivered this Thursday, June 18. For those unfamiliar with the bill's workings it can be summed up as:

• creates a statutory category for non-restricted firearms;
• gives the Governor in Council the power to make regulations carving out exceptions to the firearms classification regime;
• extends the application of the provisions that govern orders prohibiting the possession of firearms, weapons and other articles such as ammunition and explosives;
• makes the completion of a safety course a prerequisite to obtaining a new firearms licence;
• eliminates Possession Only Licences (POLs);
• provides for the automatic issuance of authorizations to transport upon licence renewal;
• renders the discretion of a Chief Firearms Officer to attach conditions to a licence, authorization to carry or authorization to transport subject to limits imposed by regulations;
• creates a grace period extending the validity of firearms licences for six months beyond the date that they would otherwise have expired; and
• imposes an obligation on businesses to report the importation of a prohibited or restricted firearm.

That's right folks. According to the timeline we were given, all holders of RPALs should no longer require separate LTATT paperwork, and all POL holders can head down to their local gun shop and buy a new gun to celebrate, hopefully some time before Canada Day. Furthermore, we were informed that the order to move the Swiss Arms and CZ858 rifles back to their previously classifications will be occurring "promptly," and should be expected some time this summer.

UPDATE: CLARIFICATION OF AUTOMATIC ATT ISSUANCE

We received further word this morning, after asking for clarification of the "upon renewal" portion of the automatic ATT issuance component of C-42, and the direct quote from Minister Blaney's office is that "The phrase 'upon renewal' just means that as long as the person has a license and is in good standing, they are authorized to transport to the approved locations." In other words, it does not appear to require current RPAL holders renew their license before they will be awarded with automatic ATT.

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