FIREARMS FACTS - UPDATE

CFC HAD ISSUED 813,822 “STICKERS”

AS OF NOVEMBER 1, 2002

DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE RESPONSE

TO ACCESS TO INFORMATION ACT REQUEST

FILE: A-2002-0196 dated November 22, 2002

BREITKREUZ ATI REQUEST – October 23, 2002

The National Post recently reported that Canadian Firearms Centre officials are directing gun owners to “permanently affix” numbered stickers on their guns.  Please provide a copies of records and reports that would show: (1) The total number of numbered stickers that have been sent out to gun owners in Canada since December 1, 1998, and (2) The directives sent to gun owners with each numbered sticker to ensure that the sticker is “permanently affixed” to the correct firearm, remains “permanently affixed” and what gun owners should do should the sticker fall off or become unreadable.

JUSTICE DEPARTMENT RESPONSE – November 22, 2002

“The total number of numbered stickers that have been sent out to gun owners in Canada from December 1, 1998 to November 1, 2002 is:  813,822. 

FIREARMS ACT, Section 14. A registration certificate may be issued only for a firearm

(a) that bears a serial number sufficient to distinguish it from other firearms; or

(b) that is described in the prescribed manner.

FIREARMS REGISTRATION CERTIFICATES REGULATIONS

http://www.cfc-ccaf.gc.ca/cfm/ENGLISH/LEG/FAREGS/0030000F.HTM

HOW TO APPLY THE STICKER:

q       When applying the FIN stickers to firearms, be sure to put the correct FIN on the correct firearm.  Use your Registration Certificate Number to match the FIN and the firearm.

q       Clean the frame or receiver of the firearm (see diagrams) to remove oil and dirt to ensure the correct adherence of the FIN sticker.  The frame or receiver does not include handgrips of any material.

q       Peel the FIN sticker from the backing, place it on the frame or receiver of the firearm and press down to make sure it sticks.

q       Please exercise caution when cleaning as some cleaning fluid or sprays could possibly damage the FIN sticker.

You are required to put the FIN sticker on the frame or receiver of the firearm within 30 days.  It is your responsibility, as the owner of the firearm, to ensure that the sticker is not damaged or removed.  If the sticker is accidentally damaged or removed or if the numbers can no longer be read for any reason, call 1-800-731-4000 and we will send you a new sticker.  When you call, have with you your Firearms Licence and Registration Certificate.  You may also request a new sticker by mail (to the address on the front of the envelope or by facsimile (1-800-411-0622).  If you do not apply the FIN sticker to your firearm as described above, or have the FIN engraved or stamped on your firearm, your Registration Certificate will be revoked.