BAKER’S MEMORANDUM TO THE MINISTER – NOVEMBER 3, 2003

POTENTIAL IMPROVEMENTS – FIREARMS PROGRAM

Objectives:

Ø      Address concerns of firearms users, and particularly those in Western and rural Canada, as well as general concerns regarding the administration and cost of the Firearms Program.

Ø      Build on recent successes and improvements in management and efficiency and cost reductions.

Ø      Find an acceptable balance between effective and meaningful change for firearms owners, while maintaining the support of police and other firearms supporters.

Possible Changes:

1.  “Decriminalize offences” regarding unregistered firearms.

Issue:  Corrects the misconception that firearms owners are treated like “common criminals”.

How:

• Amend the Criminal Code to remove the offences for simple possession of an unregistered firearm, and place it in the Firearms Act; federal prosecutors will have primary responsibility to act and exercise discretion in these cases; and,
• Amend the Firearms Act “grandfathering provisions” to allow people who are in unlawful possession of prohibited handguns they acquired between 1995 and 1998 to possess them legally; preparations are underway to extend current amnesty for these people (to expire December 31, 2003) to allow them to lawfully dispose of their firearms, until the legislation can be amended; and,
• Use of an unregistered firearm in commission of a criminal offence could be treated more seriously.

2. Review Fees – ensure they are reasonable and affordable for individuals and businesses.

Issue: Address the perception that firearms users pay more than their fair share for firearms control.

How:

·        Repeal firearms registration and transfer fees (currently $25);

·        Repeal the proposed Import fee (proposed $20);

·        Consider waiving licence fees for aboriginal peoples (no exceptions to date – may be relevant to several major litigations); and,

·        Estimated annual revenue impacts; registrations/transfers - $3.8 million; import fees $2.6 million; licences for aboriginal peoples – likely low.

3. Targeted amendments to improve Firearms Act regulations – a clear and effective regulatory framework.

·        Adjustments to proposed changes tabled in June of 2003 are being considered now, based on feedback from consultations with Parliamentarians, firearms users, businesses and public safety groups;

• There is significant opportunity to remove unnecessary process, clarify requirements and improve the quality of information in the Firearms Registry to support public safety;

4. Initiate an internal review of “value for money” for technology systems and service delivery – consider “one time changes”, versus long-terms savings based on a thorough business case.

5. Continue implementation of the Action Plan for the Firearms Program – continuous improvement of services to make it easier for Canadians to comply, and better, more cost-effective ways to deliver them.

·        Already significant improvement in call centre 1-800 services;

·        Service standards for licensing and registration are in place, and are being met;

·        New internet services for individuals and businesses have been introduced, and more are being considered;

·        Management of the Centre has been strengthened and operations are being streamlined; The Edmonton office has been closed and functions moved to Ottawa and the Quebec office has been closed with functions moving to Mirimichi – decisions based on a solid business case,

·        Clients are responding positively to the new approach to supporting compliance through better service (more than one million firearms registered since January 2003, and more than 1,000 licence applications are being received each week – registrations and licence applications are still coming in).

·        Continue to demonstrate transparency, accountability and sound program administration to public and Parliament.

·        Will meet the Estimates tabled without any increase in funding.