CRFSC Legal and Ethical Responsibilities 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under the Firearms Act, who is required to have a valid Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL) to possess a firearm?
- Only individuals who purchased the firearm after 1995
- Any individual who possesses a non-restricted or restricted firearm (Correct answer)
- Only individuals who carry firearms in public
- Only licensed firearms dealers
Correct answer: Any individual who possesses a non-restricted or restricted firearm
The Firearms Act requires any individual who possesses a non-restricted or restricted firearm to hold a valid PAL.
Question 2: What is the minimum age to apply for a Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL) in Canada?
- 16 years old
- 18 years old (Correct answer)
- 19 years old
- 21 years old
Correct answer: 18 years old
Applicants must be at least 18 years old to apply for a PAL in Canada.
Question 3: Which federal Act establishes the primary framework for firearm regulation in Canada?
- The Criminal Code of Canada only
- The Safe Streets Act
- The Firearms Act (Correct answer)
- The Public Safety Act
Correct answer: The Firearms Act
The Firearms Act establishes the licensing, registration, and safety requirements for firearms in Canada.
Question 4: A licensed firearm owner discovers their PAL has expired. What must they do before they can legally possess their firearms?
- They have a 30-day grace period and may continue to possess firearms
- They must renew their licence before they can legally possess any firearms (Correct answer)
- They must surrender their firearms to the nearest police station immediately
- They can possess firearms but not transport them until renewal
Correct answer: They must renew their licence before they can legally possess any firearms
An expired PAL means the individual no longer legally meets the conditions for possessing a firearm and must renew before possession.
Question 5: Under Canadian law, which of the following is an ethical obligation of a responsible firearm owner regarding storage?
- Store firearms only when not in use for more than 72 hours
- Ensure firearms are inaccessible to unauthorized persons at all times (Correct answer)
- Store ammunition and firearms together to allow quick access
- Keep at least one firearm loaded for home defence as permitted
Correct answer: Ensure firearms are inaccessible to unauthorized persons at all times
Responsible ownership requires that firearms always be stored so unauthorized individuals — especially children — cannot access them.
Question 6: A firearm owner wants to lend their non-restricted rifle to a friend for a hunting trip. What legal requirement must be met?
- The friend must carry the owner's written permission letter
- The friend must hold a valid PAL that authorizes possession of that class of firearm (Correct answer)
- The friend must complete a basic firearm safety course before borrowing
- No requirement exists if the loan period is fewer than 7 days
Correct answer: The friend must hold a valid PAL that authorizes possession of that class of firearm
The borrower must hold a valid PAL authorizing possession of that firearm class, as they will be in possession of the firearm.
Question 7: Which of the following best describes a firearm owner's ethical duty to the community?
- Advocating for minimal firearm regulations to protect rights
- Minimizing risks to others by following all safe-handling and storage laws (Correct answer)
- Carrying a firearm whenever legally permitted to deter crime
- Educating others that most gun-control laws are unnecessary
Correct answer: Minimizing risks to others by following all safe-handling and storage laws
An ethical firearm owner prioritizes public safety by complying with all legal requirements and actively minimizing risks to the broader community.
CRFSC Legal and Ethical Responsibilities 2
Under the Firearms Act, who is required to have a valid Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL) to possess a firearm?