Temporary ban on importation of handguns into Canada now in effect

August 19, 2022 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada

One Canadian killed or injured by gun violence is one too many. That is why the Government of Canada has a comprehensive plan to keep Canadians safe from gun violence and provide more resources into our communities. Core to this plan is the recently introduced Bill C-21 that, among other measures, would introduce a national freeze on the sale, transfer and ownership of handguns, anywhere in Canada.

Today, the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Honourable Marco Mendicino, Minister of Public Safety, announced that the temporary ban on the importation of restricted handguns is now in effect. This temporary ban means that permits for import-restricted handguns into Canada will no longer be issued to individuals or businesses, subject to narrow exceptions that mirror those in Bill C-21. With stores unable to restock their shelves, these measures will slow the run on handguns until the national handgun freeze proposed in Bill C-21 comes into force.

No single program or initiative can tackle the challenge of gun violence on its own. That is why the Government of Canada is using all the tools at its disposal to fight gun crime and keep Canadians safe.