Yesterday, the Province of British Columbia introduced Bill 4 – 2021: Firearm Violence Prevention Act, an act the government states will further the fight against criminal use of firearms and other gang activity. The Bill contains language that appears to affect:
- BB, “imitation firearms” including what appears to affect airsoft users
- access to such items by minors
- ownership and use of body armor
- impoundment of vehicles that were associated with gang crime
- and a raft of regulations governing Shooting Ranges in B.C.
The proposed law can be read here.
Under our Federal / Provincial distribution of powers the Provinces can pass legislation on the administration of justice.
Shooting Range regulations
Of primary impact on the club is the subsection on Shooting Ranges (Part 4 – Shooting Ranges) which includes language requiring shooting ranges – of which PCDHFC is a federally regulated shooting range – to keep records of who uses the ranges, to validate who uses the ranges and to be able to deny access to anyone who does not validate their use by producing a license.
On the surface, these are already requirements of operating a shooting range from federal Shooting Range regulations and of existing law in the Firearms Act and Criminal Code of Canada.
At PCDHFC:
- all users are validated before using our ranges
- all users must comply with federal firearms regulations
- all users of restricted and prohibited firearms must have the appropriate Possession and Acquisition License (PAL)
- minors must be accompanied by and supervised by a licensed adult
- all user access is recorded
- records of usage are kept in accordance to the requests of the provincial Chief Firearms Officer
- breaches of law are referred to law enforcement and reported as required
Complying with already existing laws and continuing cooperation with our law enforcement ensures that your club supports anti-gang efforts and ensures the safety of our licensed users and members.