Saskatchewan Firearms Act: A Provincial Response To Federal Gun Control

As the federal government continues to implement new gun control measures to, cracking down on law-abiding firearms owners with new gun control measures, we also see mounting resistance from the provinces, particularly in the west. The latest display of discontent comes from Saskatchewan, where the provincial government has just unveiled the Saskatchewan Firearms Act.

The new Act doesn't outline a plan to outright disregard the federal government; instead, it's a plan to run firearms safety and gun control the way that the province thinks best.

Here's what the provincial government says about the just-introduced legislation

The Act will:

• With respect to recent changes by the federal government that impact lawful firearms owners:
  • establish licensing requirements for businesses or individuals involved in firearms expropriation;
  • require and oversee fair compensation for any firearms being seized; and
  • require forensic and ballistic testing of seized firearms.
• Establish a provincial firearms regulatory system that will promote the safe and responsible use of firearms.

This legislation will be primarily administered by the Saskatchewan Firearms Office (SFO). The Office will also take on an expanded role in prosecuting non-violent regulatory firearms offenses.

Interesting. One of the major problems with the federal gun seizure proposals over the past few years is the shortage of law enforcement personnel capable to enforce the confiscations. Saskatchewan's new law ensures that, should the federal government resort to private contractors to enforce its bans, those contractors must be properly vetted.

Of course, after the initial outcry against recent gun bans in the Liberals' proposed amendments to Bill C-21, there's been a second wave of frustration as firearms owners realize that not only are their firearms being prohibited with seemingly no recourse, but they will also receive no compensation for their lawfully-acquired property. Saskatchewan's new Firearms Act also addresses this. The press release actually says Saskatchewan is working on establishing a Firearms Compensation Committee, "to determine the fair market value of any firearms, ammunition and related accessories being expropriated by the federal government."

Then, note the requirement to have ballistic and forensic testing of seized firearms. This makes sense, as data acquired could be used to solve cold case crimes. It might also grind the seizure procedures down to a halt... or maybe not, since the province is also working on establishing the Saskatchewan Firearms Ballistics Lab, "to support police services and provide timely access to Saskatchewan-based ballistics and firearms expertise."

Finally, note the emphasis on safety; it's constantly referred to in this press release. Ever since Robert Freberg took over the job as the province's Chief Firearms Officer, this has been Saskatchewan's primary message on the firearms file, with less direct confrontation with the federal government.

Looks like Saskatchewan is playing this one very carefully, trying to head federal gun control measures off at the pass, while avoiding a battle over the divide between federal and provincial powers. And it also looks like it's thinking ahead and protecting its own citizens. Increased safety training will mean less gun accidents, while an in-province ballistics lab may speed up responses to gun crime, and hopefully bring criminals to justice more quickly.