"Alternative Certification for Aboriginals but not for firearms experts trained by the RCMP."

Appendix B of the Aboriginal Adaptations section of the Firearms Officer Manual states: "A CFO must alternatively certify an Aboriginal individual…" while under the General Provisions which apply to every other applicant for a firearms licence it states: "A CFO may alternatively certify an individual…" The manual defines the term "Aboriginal" as Indian, Inuit and Métis. Breitkreuz commented, "The Liberals make it mandatory for Chief Firearms Officers to alternatively certify aboriginal applicants even if it goes against their better judgement. The CFO can only use their discretion in cases involving non-aboriginal applicants for firearms licences. Unfortunately, CFO’s seem to be exercising this absolute discretionary power by refusing alternative certification to all non-aboriginal applicants regardless of their demonstrated expertise and exemplary safety record with firearms."

"I have received letters from constituents who have been refused Alternative Certification under the Firearms Act, even though they have extensive firearms training by the RCMP, Canadian Armed Forces and Corrections Canada," said Breitkreuz. One constituent wrote, "Since the 1970’s I have possessed a Firearms Acquisition Certificate as required by law as I possess restricted firearms. As of January 01, 2001, the law now requires me to have a Possession and Acquisition Licence if I wish to purchase firearms in the future. This I can do at present with my present FAC so all that is being done is renaming the licence I already possess. On top of that the Chief Provincial Firearms Officer wants me to take a course [or a test] for a total of $60. Why?"

Another firearms expert faced with a similar refusal by the CFO wrote, "Box 29 on the application form states: ‘In some cases, for example, if the Chief Firearms Officer has certified that you meet the requirements regarding the safe handling and use of firearms and the laws relating to firearms you may not have to take the safety test(s) for non-restricted or restricted firearms. If this applies to you, put a "Ö " in the "yes" box and print the reason in the accompanying box.’ If this does not apply in my case, may I please ask who is exempt?"

"The answer is simple, according to the Department of Justice, this box applies only to Aboriginals," responded Breitkreuz. "No matter how well qualified a non-aboriginal applicant is, the Liberals are forcing them to either take the Canadian Firearms Safety Course or take the test and pay a $60 tax for the insult. This is a violation of everyone’s fundamental right to be treated equally before and under the law. Doesn’t it just make you sick that the federal Department of Justice is violating everyone’s equality rights under the Charter?"

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