Canadian Firearms Program

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The Canadian Firearms Program (CFP) is part of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and is responsible for licensing and regulating firearms in Canada. It runs the national licensing system, keeps the Canadian Firearms Registry, and supports police with firearms investigations.

Key facts
- Licences and population: As of December 31, 2024, the CFP had about 2,412,122 valid firearms licences, roughly 5.8% of Canadians.
- Where licences are highest: Ontario, Quebec, Alberta and British Columbia have the most licences.
- Higher licensing rates by area: Yukon, Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories, and Saskatchewan have the highest licensing rates.

History and structure
- Origins: Bill C-68 (1995) set up licensing and registration for firearms. The Canada Firearms Centre began in 1996 to run the program.
- RCMP control: In 2006, responsibility for the CFP moved to the RCMP. In 2008, the Canada Firearms Centre merged with the Firearms Support Services to form the CFP.
- National role and provincial participation: The CFP is the central system for licensing in Canada. Some provinces have opted in to run their own programs (Ontario, Quebec, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia) with federal funding to cover admin fees. British Columbia is considering an opt-in. Even when provinces run their own programs, the CFP remains the central data and licensing hub for all cases.

Leadership and organization
- The CFP is part of the RCMP. The RCMP Commissioner also serves as the Commissioner of Firearms, supported by a Deputy Commissioner for Policing Support Services. A Director General oversees day-to-day operations, and a Registrar of Firearms issues and revokes registrations and licences and maintains records.
- Chief Firearms Officers (CFOs): Each province has a CFO who makes licensing decisions (possession, acquisition, transportation, carrying, and transfer) and handles related administration. Some provinces appoint their own CFOs; a few territories share CFOs with another province.
- Firearms officers: Provinces appoint firearms officers to inspect compliance and enforce the Firearms Act. They can require people to present firearms or allow samples to be taken. Non-compliance can be a criminal offence and may affect licence renewals.

Budget and oversight
- The program operates with an annual budget of about $84 million.
- It reports to the Minister of Public Safety (the current minister is Gary Anandasangaree).

In short, the CFP handles national firearm licensing and registration, while provinces that opt in manage local licensing under provincial chief firearms officers. The centre remains the main data hub and licensing authority for Canada.