The federal government is moving forward with significant changes to Canada’s firearms laws, aiming to enhance public safety through stricter regulations on licensing, imports, and how firearms are classified. Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree announced a three-pronged approach this week designed to keep communities safe and firearms out of the wrong hands.

“Canadians deserve to live in communities that are safe, secure, and free of firearms violence,” Minister Anandasangaree said in a statement released by Public Safety Canada. “From removing assault-style firearms from our streets to reinforcing border security, our government continues to take decisive action.”

New Protections for At-Risk Individuals

A key part of the new plan involves regulations to better protect people in dangerous situations, particularly those involving domestic or intimate partner violence. The government has tabled regulations that support mandatory refusal or revocation of a firearms license for anyone subject to a protection order. Officials are continuing to consult with victim advocacy groups and expect to bring the final regulations forward in the spring of 2026.

Stricter Controls on New Firearms Entering Canada

To prevent misclassification, Ottawa is tightening the rules for firearms before they even reach the Canadian market. New amendments will require all domestic manufacturers and importers to provide technical information to the Registrar of Firearms for proper classification *before* a batch of firearms is made or imported. The government has also signaled its intent to introduce more legislation to further strengthen this pre-market screening process, ensuring government authorities correctly classify all firearms.

A Complete Review of the Classification System

The government is also launching a comprehensive review of the entire firearms classification system. Citing the Mass Casualty Commission’s report and feedback from a wide range of groups, the goal is to create a simpler and more consistent regime. This review will include dedicated consultations with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities to ensure their perspectives and traditions are part of the process. According to the minister, the review will consider everything from firearms and devices to magazines and ammunition to modernize the framework and prioritize the safety of Canadians.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the three main changes being announced?

The government is introducing new regulations for protection orders, creating stricter pre-market classification requirements for manufacturers and importers, and launching a comprehensive review of the entire firearms classification system.

How will this affect current, law-abiding gun owners in New Brunswick?

The most immediate changes target manufacturers and importers. The broader review of the classification system will involve consultations with firearms owners and hunters, and any potential changes resulting from that review will be announced in the future.

Why is the government making these changes now?

These actions are part of the government’s ongoing firearms control strategy. They are a response to calls from law enforcement, victims’ groups, and recommendations from reports like the Mass Casualty Commission to strengthen public safety.

When will these new rules be implemented?

The regulations for protection orders are expected in Spring 2026. The amendments for pre-market classification have been tabled in Parliament, and the comprehensive review of the classification system will be launching shortly.