According to leaders of the Quebec Federation of Hunters and Fishermen, the new Bill C-21 will have a direct impact on hunters.
“Bill C-21 means that certain firearms, particularly handguns, will now be subject to very strict regulations. Sales between people who have a permit or purchase are now prohibited,” explains the president of the FédéCP, Marc Renaud.
“Hunters will be directly affected, particularly because they need shooting ranges for practice. These infrastructures are also built by associations that welcome people who own legal handguns. If these associations that own shooting ranges lose many of their members due to this new law that directly affects handgun owners, they will close their shooting ranges, which is essential for hunters who want to practice their shooting before hunting. »
For the President, Bill C-21 is another obstacle for hunters.
“This law further exacerbates all the pitfalls that already exist for hunters. However, both hunters and sport shooters have all acquired their licenses and weapons legally and lawfully. It seems that despite everything, these people are almost considered criminals. »
Above all, Marc Renaud does not want to diminish the importance of the impact of the criminal environment.
“We understand people who are concerned about the criminal community who can obtain weapons to commit crimes. However, I doubt that Bill C-21 will stop people in the criminal field from acting in this way. No law will stop them from getting guns. »
The President recalled that sport shooting is also a leisure activity.
“Thanks to this, we have shooting clubs that survive and provide great opportunities for hunters who want to practice in safe places. »
THE NEED FOR AN ACCURATE SHOT
One of the basic principles of hunting is knowing how to use your weapon effectively so as not to injure an animal but to kill it.
“We are the representatives at the Canadian level that provide training for both hunters and target shooters. We teach amateurs how to make a precise shot and, above all, how to practice it, not on the hunt, but in the safe places, the shooting ranges,” says Marc Renaud.
“I have had discussions with shooting clubs that have serious questions about their future. Operating such a structure is expensive. The rules of the Sûreté du Québec are very strict. You have to do updates costing several thousand dollars. If they have fewer members, there will be no revenue, which will lead to many closing. Many already had no choice.
“So where will hunters go to practice shooting and learn their weapons so they can be effective when the time comes?” We will be meeting with our associations that own shooting ranges shortly to discuss how we can help them. »
A WHOLE JOURNEY
The President recognizes the unbearable consequences for people who have faced acts of violence involving firearms, directly or through their family members, and does not believe this law is the solution.
“For me it is an illusion to make people believe that we can stop the black market in firearms with a law. »
Whether you want to become a hunter or a sports shooter, the path you take to get there is very important. You must strictly adhere to them, otherwise you will not be able to carry out these activities.
Any person wishing to obtain a firearms hunting license or purchase a firearm must enroll in the Canadian Firearms Safety Course (CCSMAF).
Hunter candidates must then complete the introductory firearms hunting course in order to receive their hunting license. Target shooters must complete the Canadian course in the use of restricted firearms.
Once the certifications have been successfully completed and the individual wishes to purchase a firearm, he or she must submit a formal application to the federal government to obtain a Possession and Purchase Authorization (PPA).
At this time, before issuing the permit, the relevant authorities will conduct an investigation to ensure that the issuance of the permit can be carried out. The same permit is required if you want to purchase ammunition from a hunting and fishing store.
As we can see, there are several mandatory procedures before you are allowed to own a hunting weapon or handgun. If we add to this the new measures in Bill C-21, it becomes a very complicated process.