O.F.A.H. applauds proposed amendments to firearms regulations

O.F.A.H. applauds proposed amendments to firearms regulations
Renewal of Possession Only Licences (POLs) major step forward

The Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (O.F.A.H.), applauds proposed amendments to firearms regulations recently announced by the Harper government.

The proposed regulatory changes include 1) Extension of the fee waiver associated with renewing or upgrading existing licences; 2) Renewal of the amnesty which protects non-restricted firearms owners from criminal prosecution while seeking to come into compliance by obtaining a licence and/or registration certificate; and most importantly, 3) Opportunity for firearms owners who hold a Possession Only Licence (POL) to renew these licences, even after they have expired.

“The Conservative government has clearly listened to the firearms community,” said Mike Reader, O.F.A.H. Executive Director. “Up to one hundred and eight thousand owners whose POLs may have expired were faced with having to upgrade their licences or lose their firearms. The large majority are seniors who have no interest in purchasing new firearms, but want to retain the firearms they have and comply with the law. Allowing them to renew expired POLs, many of which expired because of flaws in the system, is a huge step forward that will ensure compliance with the law and allow them to legally keep their firearms. The government should be congratulated for recognizing this need and acting to rectify a problem which benefits both lawful firearms owners and public safety.”

With the coming into effect of these proposed regulations, any firearms owner who previously held a POL and who remain in possession of registered or previously registered non-restricted or restricted firearms may apply for a new POL up to and including May 16, 2009, rather than having to upgrade to a Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL). This is a significant change in policy since POLs were previously not renewable upon expiry.

The proposed regulations are intended to come into effect on March 28, 2008.

With over 83,000 members and 655 member clubs, the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters is the leading fishing, hunting and conservation organization in Ontario and the voice of anglers and hunters. For more information visit www.ofah.org.

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