Canadian Shooting Sports Association | | CSSA eNEWS | April 13, 2026 | | |
For weeks, Ontario’s Chief Firearms Office refused to answer the one question gun owners needed answered plainly.
“Will PAL holders who continue to possess newly prohibited firearms lose their licences, yes or no?”
Now we have two written responses. Neither gives gun owners the direct answer they deserved, and taken together, they deliver a clear warning.
The April 7th letter says the CFO does not proactively revoke a firearms licence solely because a PAL holder possesses a firearm prohibited under the May 1, 2020, Order in Council, provided that person remains within the scope of the amnesty.[i]
That’s the protection being offered. It is narrow, conditional, and temporary.
That same letter also makes clear what happens when that protection ends.
If the amnesty expires or if its conditions are not met, enforcement falls to police and the CFO continues to exercise its statutory responsibilities under applicable law.
In plain English, that means the temporary shield only exists for those who remain fully compliant.
Step outside it, and both criminal enforcement and licensing consequences come back into play.
The March 13th response removes even more doubt.[ii]
It states that participation in the federal compensation program is voluntary, but compliance with federal legislation is mandatory.
It sets out the four paths the government considers lawful disposal: participate in the compensation program, export the firearm, surrender it for destruction, or permanently deactivate it.
It then states that affected firearms must be dealt with before October 30, 2026, and warns that continued possession after that date may expose individuals to criminal liability.
It also points directly to the CFO’s regulatory authority over licensing decisions, including potential licence revocations.
Once the amnesty is gone or you breach its terms, your legal position changes immediately.
That’s the point members must understand.
These letters also expose the contradiction at the heart of Ontario’s position.
Premier Ford’s government says it opposes the federal confiscation scheme and will not assist it.
Yet Ontario’s Chief Firearms Officer is still administering the legal consequences of that same scheme, because the Ontario CFO is administering the legal consequences of the federal firearms confiscation scheme, despite the province’s public opposition to it.
However loudly the province distances itself politically, the machinery of compliance, enforcement, and licence risk all remain in place.
The Ontario CFO would not give a simple answer. But he gave a clear warning, in writing. Members should treat it as one.
As always, the CSSA must urge all licensed owners with firearms captured by the May 2020, December 2024, and March 2025 OIC prohibitions to comply with the amnesty conditions before the 30th of October, 2026.
Members should understand the risk: non-compliance may result in criminal liability and may also place their licence at risk.
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| What's the biggest takeaway from the Ontario CFO's response? | | | | |
Is Ontario truly "not participating" in confiscation if licences can still be revoked?
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There are three ways to donate:
ONLINE in our eStore. Click HERE
CALL 1-888-873-4339.
MAIL your donation to: B-14 Timber c/o CSSA, 1143 Wentworth Street West, Unit 204, Oshawa, ON L1J 8P7.
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Take home this fabulous firearm and support your favourite organization – the CSSA – as we continue our fight to preserve, promote and protect your firearms rights.
Sign up on our website or call 1-888-873-4339.
| | Help us continue to defend your sport, your guns and your rights. Your generosity is most appreciated! | | |
Join us for our Stick to Your Guns Dinner 2026, following the AGM on May 23, 2026.
Date: Saturday, May 23, 2026
Time: Cocktails at 6 p.m. | Dinner at 7 p.m.
Location: Clarion Hotel, 117 Elm Street, Sudbury, ON
Tickets:
- $69.95 for individuals
- $629.95 for a Table of 10
Please note: if you want to sit with someone, we suggest you order your tickets together. The only reserved seating will be available for full-table purchases.
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Sent: Tuesday, April 7, 2026
Subject: Buy Back Participation
Irregardless of what province/territory you live in, I can see people declaring the firearms they have that are already registered. They know you have them and will come looking for them someday so you may as well hope to get a few bucks for them. Those that you have that are not registered I would have just kept them locked up hoping for a reprieve. Carney and his Goons are not likely to back down, but we can hope the courts act in our favour before the end of the amnesty.
Bill M.
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Sent: Tuesday, April 7, 2026
Subject: comment
Good day.
I completely agree that the inclusion of links that require either
registration (who needs more junk mail??), or purchasing a subscription
to access an article should be abandoned.
Kindly do away with them.
I'm glad to see that Ted C. has raised this topic!
Patrick C.
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Sent: Monday, April 6, 2026
Subject: Subscribing in order to read articals
Hi Gang!! Just mulling over the fellow's complaint, and in a very small way, he has a point, but only very small, if you joined a shooting club. I'm sure you would be expected to pay user fees as well as membership fees, and if you didn't want to pay for birds ,targets whatever fees the club by vote has decided to charge, you can go try to get your own free everything club certified by the various levels of government you will be dealing with or maybe wander down the road to the local golf club I'm sure they will fit you in a slot for free.
On the other side of the coin if you really enjoy shooting in some or all of it's forms why are you bitching about the small cost of a membership and user fee? I know times are tough but if we collectively would look at the pleasure a day at the range brings us maybe we could include the cost of that with the cost of boat gasoline trailer insurance fishing gear etc nothing is free but if your going to spend thousands of dollars on a shot gun or rifle just so you can do the look at what I've got thing you've got your values mixed up
To my fellow CSSA members, don't be quick to back up for the whiners; they will pitch and whine no matter what you do to please them. It's the nature of the beast.
Larry C.
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Sent: Monday, April 6, 2026
Subject: Paper work
I’m 80 next month. A valued friend did his best to help me register a rifle for the Liberal buy back🤮
My friend, who helps our household with electronics and the confusion they bring, was having trouble helping me.
After 20 minutes of trying things and going back for clarification, we went on to the next segment where the page read “The Application segment was Shut Down Now. Try again in 12 Hours.”
I will now wait and see what happens.
I could not Register and now I never will Register because this rifle looks like a Second World War 30 caliber carbine.
Dutch V.
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Sent: Monday, April 6, 2026
Subject: Question for the Safety Minister
This is a question I posed to the Safety Minister and to which I have not yet received a reply.
If I declared a firearm(s) before the March 31 deadline, selected one of the three government options, and the government has not "collected" any of my declared firearms, will I still be a criminal after the amnesty ends on Oct 31?
Randy L.
Good question!
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We welcome your comments. If you would like to send us a letter (under 250 words, please), email us at:
letters@cssa-cila.org
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B.C. RCMP issue warning after 'several' illegal assault-style firearms brought to detachment | An RCMP detachment in B.C. is warning the public against showing up at a local police station if they have firearms they want to relinquish under the federal buyback program. | | | |
How will 1,150 illegal guns be collected from NBers? | With municipal forces across the province refusing to participate in the federal buyback program, it's still largely unclear | | | |
KLEIN: Once again, tax dollars are wasted on the wrong fight | The execution of the gun buyback program has been below expectations, with the government predicting 136,000 firearms would be eligible for the program, while only 67,000 were actually declared. This | | | |
Albertans who declared banned guns under Ottawa's buyback still can't get compensation | CBC News | More than 7,000 banned guns have been declared in Alberta under the federal government's gun buyback program, but owners in the province are not able to collect compensation because of an ongoing dispute between Alberta and Ottawa over how the program is meant to operate. | | | |
Province protecting rights of Saskatchewan firearms owners | The Government of Saskatchewan has introduced additional amendments to The Saskatchewan Firearms Act to help provincial firearms owners and businesses receive fair compensation for their property that has been targeted by federal legislation. | | | |
An Official Journal Of The NRA | Canadian Law Enforcement Agencies Disregard "Buyback" | The National Post, a Canadian news source, reports that "the majority" of law-enforcement agencies across Canada are disregarding their federal government's mandated Assault-Style Firearms Compensation Program (ASFCP). | | | |
HAUBRICH: Still time for Ottawa to scrap gun confiscation program | It's safe to say Ottawa's gun confiscation is a dumpster that's on fire and rolling toward a cliff. Read more. | | | |
Lorne Gunter: Ottawa's gun buyback program a dismal failure | There may be a lot of gunowners who signed up for compensation who will be left without a convenient way to hand in their guns. | | | |
A FIREARMS FARCE: Liberal gun ban firing blanks | Sun political columnist Lorne Gunter talks about the futility of the Liberal firearms ban. | | | |
NTI to challenge gun ban after Ottawa rejects prolonged Inuit exemption | Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. will continue exploring how to keep some newly banned guns in the hands of hunters, after the federal government rejected a call to prolong an amnesty period for turning these weapons in. | | | | Hearing Protection Ontario is offering promo pricing for CSSA Members on custom fit silicone shooters earplugs. Visit www.hearingprotectionontario.com or call 1-855-867-7449 to book your custom fitting today. | |
800 firearms declared in Region as part of federal buyback program | Waterloo Regional Police Chief Mark Crowell provided an update following a deadline in the federal gun buyback program | | | |
Examining the shortcomings of the Liberal gun buyback program | Watch News Videos Online | Watch Examining the shortcomings of the Liberal gun buyback program Video Online, on GlobalNews.ca | | | |
Korth Group Ltd., Canadian Sporting Arms and Ammunition Society Bring You "Confused by Canadian Gun Laws?" - The Outdoor Wire | The Outdoor Wire | Korth Group Ltd. and the Canadian Sporting Arms and Ammunition Society explain Canada's complex firearms prohibitions, including Orders-in-Council bans on over 2,000 firearm models, a handgun freeze, and expanded definitions under Bill C-21 that automatically prohibit certain semi-automatic rifles and shotguns manufactured after December 15, 2023. | | | |
Gun Buyback Program in Canada Faces Challenges | The gun buyback program in Canada has led to over 67,000 banned firearms declared, but participation varies significantly across provinces. | | | | |
Club Level Safety Instructor Course
– Saturday, April 18, 2026 –
9 a.m.
Oshawa, ON
Description –
This course prepares candidates to train fellow club members (at clubs in which the candidate holds a membership) in firearm safety.
The Club Level Safety Instructor Course reviews the ACTS-PROVE method used in the Canadian Firearms Safety Course/Canadian Restricted Firearms Safety Course. Students will also learn about methods of instruction in firearm safety and topics to be include when teaching at their club.
Prerequisites –
Must hold a valid RPAL, be a CSSA insured member in good standing and have 1 year of shooting experience.
Length – 8 hours – Classroom-only program – NO live fire.
Cost – $90
If you are interested in attending this course, please email Judith at judith.crowell@cssa-cila.org or call our office at 1-888-873-4339.
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Biathlon Canada Crowns Aggregate Winners at Record-Breaking 2026 Canadian Biathlon Championships and Spring Festival | CANMORE, Alta.-Biathlon Canada successfully concluded the 2026 Canadian Biathlon Championships and Spring Biathlon Festival, held March 24-29 at the Canmore Nordic Centre, marking the largest biathlon event ever staged in the country. A total of 413 athletes participated in the week-long celebration of sport, including 222 National Championship competitors and 191 Festival participants, showcasing the... | | | | |
CSSA TARGET is an informal handgun and rifle bullseye target competition, whose aim is to promote the sport of target shooting in a safe, fun and friendly atmosphere.
The informal competition’s “shooting year” is November 1st to October 31st annually and you may shoot and submit as many targets as you like, but only your top ten scored targets count.
To sign up visit https://cssa-cila.org/target/
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Benelli Looks to 3D Printing for Gun Chassis - 3DPrint.com | Additive Manufacturing Business | There's a lot happening in the world of 3D printing guns. There is the ever-present danger of some people trying to print guns at home. Suppressors are one of the... | | | | |
Range Safety Officer Course
– Sunday, April 19, 2026 –
9 a.m.
Oshawa, ON
Description –
This one-day course is designed to train candidates to conduct a safe and informal firing line for the local gun club. It is a generic program for use with sports shooters who are not in a specific discipline. It is not intended to replace any current safe practices but to enhance and refresh all current and future Range Safety Officers and Line Safety Officers in their duties and responsibilities at the local level.
The purpose of this program is to ensure that all Range Officers are trained to the same standard, making for an improved shooting experience for our membership.
Prerequisites –
Must hold a valid RPAL, be a CSSA insured member in good standing and have 1 year of shooting experience.
Length – 6 hours - this is a classroom-only program at this location – NO live fire.
Cost – $85
If you are interested in attending this course, please email Judith at judith.crowell@cssa-cila.org or call our office at 1-888-873-4339.
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Keen to seem 'tough-on-crime,' Carney government looks to polls for answers - National | Globalnews.ca | Fighting crime needs to be a relentless focus, Prime Minister Mark Carney said Tuesday. 'We are starting to see results. We're not satisfied and we're going to keep at this.' | | | |
Canada's violent crime clearance collapse points to a system designed to fail | Canada's violent crime clearance rates have plummeted to historic lows, with police solving fewer cases than ever. The data reveals a justice system in crisis. | | | |
Federal government plans $157.5M boost for gun and gang violence prevention | The federal government says it plans to invest up to $157.5 million over the next three years to support community-based efforts aimed at preventing gun and gang violence across Canada. Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree made the announcement March 31 in Toronto, highlighting the proposed funding through the Building Safer Communities Fund. | | | |
Ahead of World Cup, ICE says its agents don't carry guns in Canada | OTTAWA - United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in Canada don't carry firearms, the agency said following questions about a potential ICE presence at upcoming FIFA World Cup games. | | | | ––– SENTENCING AND BAIL REFORM ––– | |
Is Canada's bail system too lax? | Despite political rhetoric criticizing it as too lenient, people awaiting trial or a contested bail hearing in provincial prisons outnumber those convicted of crimes. | | | |
OPINION: Bail Reform Badly Needed - The Community Press | Often what stands out most is the effort put forward by the RCMP to arrest criminals that sometimes leads to a slap on the wrist and "released on conditions." Even if the person arrested is already 'on conditions' awaiting trial. | | | |
Maritime businesses report rise in theft despite mixed official data | Business owners across Atlantic Canada say theft and disorder around their storefronts are increasing, even as official statistics present a more mixed picture. | | | |
Kelowna mayor calls for bail reform as repeat offenders hit the streets | Kelowna is feeling the strain of what Mayor Tom Dyas calls a "catch-and-release" justice system, as repeat off... | | | | ––– GUNS USED IN CRIME ––– | |
Sarnia Police arrest two 19-year-olds in connection with Lambton College shooting | CBC News | The Sarnia Police Service has arrested a woman in connection with Friday morning's Lambton College campus bar shooting, which left 20-year-old Dane Nisbet dead. Police say she was one of two women alleged to be with the suspects on the night of the shooting. Police had previously arrested a man in connection with the shooting. | | | |
Postal worker’s quick thinking resolves Nanaimo replica gun incident
Nanaimo RCMP are praising the actions of a Canada Post worker, who helped to resolve a “potentially concerning situation” involving a replica firearm last month.
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Red Deer RCMP seize fentanyl and guns in drug bust - Red Deer Advocate | Man and woman facing charges | | | |
19-year-old Cambridge man facing slew of charges in threats investigation | The incident dates back to March 21, when police were informed of a resident in the Greenway-Chaplin area being threatened with a firearm. | | | |
Ontario man prohibited from possessing firearms arrested after police seize 53 long rifles | A Trent Lakes man who was prohibited from possessing firearms has been arrested in connection with the seizure of 53 rifles and a quantity of cocaine. | | | |
Police seek 20-year-old northern Alberta man charged with attempted murder | Police in northern Alberta are looking for a man they've charged with attempted murder following an attempted shooting late last month. | | | |
St. John's man facing charges of assault and possession of a weapon | A 33-year-old man, Kyle Merritt, is facing a charge of assault and weapons-related offences after a woman was found injured by RNC officers | | | |
OPP seizes firearms and drugs following hotel disturbance | | | | |
Airing April 19, 2026 on CITY TV
Season 22 | Episode 3
| | Paul Beasley is archery hunting black bears in the world-renowned Duck Mountains of Manitoba, and has some incredible colour phase bear encounters with ‘Hawthorn Outfitting’. | |
2 expert springtime tactics for hunting wild turkeys with a bow * Outdoor Canada | Just as I started probing the spring woods with soft yelps, my calls were abruptly cut off by an eager gobbler. Guessing he was 150 metres out, my wife, Heather, and I scrambled to set up decoys and hide behind two fir trees. I called a second time, and again I was immediately cut off. | | | | |
At the Canadian Shooting Sports Association, we’re proud to see families embracing Canada’s outdoor heritage together. Every hunt is a chance to preserve our traditions, promote safety and respect, and protect the future of our sport for generations to come.
Preserve. Promote. Protect.
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Today's sub-gauge shotguns are growing in popularity. Here's why * Outdoor Canada | It's the old chicken- and-egg conundrum. Are we seeing more sub-gauge shotguns in the field because more of our favourite shotguns are now chambered in smaller gauges? Or is it because shotgun manufacturers are responding to a growing hunter demand for sub-gauges? | | | |
The 3.5-Inch Shotgun Shell Needs To Die | Thanks to modern science, size doesn't matter as much as it once did regarding shotgun ammo, and it's why the 3.5-inch shell needs to die. | | | | |
You may have heard us mention the World Forum on Shooting Activities (WFSA) and wondered what it actually is.
In simple terms, it’s a group that brings together shooting and hunting organizations from around the world.
If you’re curious about what's happening outside North America, or just want a broader picture of what’s going on globally, the WFSA newsletter is an easy read and a good way to stay informed!
Our world doesn't stop at the border.
Subscribe today!
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Mexican 'gangster' sold drugs, guns out of Texas home | A federal judge has issued a 41-year prison sentence to a Mexican national found guilty of selling drugs and machine guns like a "gangster" in the border town of Laredo, Texas. | | | |
Good News for Everyone Else: Bad News for Gun Control? | Falling homicide rates, public polling, and long-term crime data undercut the gun control movement's claims of an endless gun violence epidemic. | | | |
Utah Passes New Protections Against Gun Control Lawsuits - Salt Lake City Today | Utah has become the first state to pass new protections for the firearm and ammunition industry against lawsuits brought by gun control advocates. Governor Spencer Cox signed House Bill 214 into law, which prevents foreign nationals and political subdivisions from launching 'junk lawsuits' and creating civil liabilities for manufacturers, sellers, and trade organizations. | | | |
Illinois bill would force gunmakers to redesign pistols that can be converted to automatic weapons | Supporters say the proposal, which is focused on the gun manufacturer Glock, would make it harder for criminals to obtain fully automatic firepower but gun rights advocates counter it unfairly punishes manufacturers for the actions of people who illegally modify weapons. | | | |
Spanberger Signs Virginia Ghost Gun Ban With No Grandfather Clause | Virginia's HB40 ghost gun ban targets privately made firearms, forces serialization, and sets up a registration scheme many gun owners see as groundwork for confiscation. | | | | –– U.S. NEWS (CONTINUED) –– | |
Ruger vs Beretta: Takeover Fight Heats Up | Beretta's growing stake in Ruger sparks takeover fears, boardroom conflict, and a high-stakes battle between two firearms industry giants. | | | |
Automatic registration for US military draft to begin in December | Eligible men will automatically be registered into the military draft pool by December as part of an effort to streamline the previous process of self-registration and save money. | | | |
SCOTUS declines to hear challenge to Illinois law limiting how guns can be carried on public transit | The US Supreme Court has refused to hear a challenge to an Illinois gun law that limits how firearms can be carried on public transportation. | | | |
NRA-ILA | Trump Administration Continues to Deliver for Gun Owners with Recent Initiatives | Amid a steady stream of headlines highlighting anti-gun legislative proposals in the states, ongoing litigation battles, and regulatory uncertainty, there is also good news to report on the Second Amendment front, courtesy of the Trump Administration. | | | | |
April
18
Havelock Lions
Don Martin Memorial Gun Show
Havelock Community Centre
39 George Street East
Havelock, ON
K0L 1Z0
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April
18-19
2026
Claresholm
Gun
Show
Claresholm Arena
4918 - 2nd Street East
Claresholm, AB
T0L 0T0
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April
19
Port Perry
Militaria &
Firearm
Show
Port Perry Community Centre
1655 Reach Street
Port Perry, ON
L9L 0A2
| | As always, to avoid disappointment of an unexpected cancellation, please contact event organizers before heading out to a show. | | |
HOW CAN GUN OWNERS PROTECT THEMSELVES FROM UNFAIR CHARGES? ... WITH FIREARM LEGAL DEFENCE INSURANCE.
We pay legal fees, court costs and time off work to attend court; up to $250,000 per occurrence (recently increased 50% for no additional cost!) and $1,000,000 total per policy year. Plus get unlimited legal advice through our toll-free Legal Advice Helpline.
What is the price for peace of mind?
Just $95 per year. CSSA members are eligible for an annual discount of $10.
NEW OPTIONS
Firearm Legal Defence has also introduced some new options that can be added to your policy at renewal. Many of our clients have been asking for these and we've heard you!
Firearm Legal Defence Plus ($195/year total)
Increase your per-claim limited to $1,000,000.
Family Coverage (+$40/year)
Extend your coverage to your spouse and all dependent children living at home under the age of 25 (all participating family members must have their PAL). This is not a per-person amount! $40 covers everyone.
NEW COVERAGES
Personal Injury
If you're injured by someone else using a firearm or bow, we'll provide you access to a lawyer and cover legal costs.
Extension to Bows
Your coverage now extends to bows, including crossbows, recurve, compound and longbows.
You are not required to disclose any information about firearms in your possession.
Firearm Legal Defence insurance covers:
- Defence from prosecution should you be charged with an offence arising out of the use, storage, display, transportation or handling of a firearm;
- Cases where a firearm is used in self-defence, the defence of a person under your protection or the defence of your property;
- Appealing an event where a licensing, regulatory or judicial authority refuses to renew, suspends, revokes, cancels or alters the terms of your firearms licence. Note that this provision does not apply to new licence applications.
Firearm Legal Defence pays for:
- The cost of retaining a lawyer or other appointed representative, including court fees, experts; fees, police reports and medical reports;
- Costs awarded by the court to opponents in civil cases if the insured person has been ordered to pay them, or pays them with the agreement of the insurance company;
- Lost salary or wages for the time the insured is off work to attend court or any other hearing at the request of the appointed representative, up to a maximum of $500 per day and $10,000 in total.
For details, click HERE
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NOTE: Firearm Legal Defence is not a CSSA product, but it is highly recommended by the association and is used by our staff and directors.
– Tony Bernardo
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1143 Wentworth Street West
Unit 204
Oshawa, ON L1J 8P7
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