What Is A Weapons Offence?
There are many different weapons offences contained within the Criminal Code. In Canada, it is illegal to carry a weapon for a dangerous purpose. Simply possessing a weapon in certain circumstances can be a criminal offence as well, such as carrying a concealed weapon in a public place.
The definition of a weapon is extremely broad and can include any object that is used to cause injury to a person. A weapon is any object that is used to either threaten or intimidate another individual. Many weapons are designated as restricted or prohibited by law. Being in unauthorized possession of a restricted or a prohibited weapon can significantly increase the possible penalties associated with an offence.
What are the Classes of Firearms in Canada?
In Canada, there are three classes of firearms:
- Non-restricted;
- Restricted; and
- Prohibited.
Non-Restricted Firearms: Any rifles or shotguns that are neither prohibited nor restricted.
Restricted Firearms: Include:
- Handguns that are not prohibited firearms.
- Firearms that:
- Are not prohibited firearms,
- Have a barrel less than 470 mm in length,
- Are capable of discharging centre-fire ammunition in a semi-automatic manner.
- Firearms designed or adapted to be fired when reduced to a length of less than 660 mm by folding, telescoping or otherwise.
- Firearms of any other kind prescribed to be restricted firearms in the Regulations.
Restricted Firearms can be used for the purposes of target practice or target shooting, as part of a collection, or in connection with one’s lawful occupation (in limited circumstances) or to protect life.
Prohibited Firearms: Include:
- Handguns with barrels equal to or less than 105 mm in length.
- Handguns designed or adapted to discharge a 25 or 32 calibre cartridge:
- This does not include handguns for use in international sporting competitions governed by the rules of the International Shooting Union and where the handgun is prescribed to be restricted.
- Firearms adapted from a rifle or shotgun, whether by sawing, cutting, or any other alteration, and that, as so adapted, are:
- Less than 660 mm in length,
- 660 mm or greater in length and have a barrel less than 457 mm in length.
- Automatic firearms, whether or not altered to discharge only one projectile with one pressure of the trigger.
- Firearms prescribed to be prohibited firearms in the Regulations.
