CRFSC Legal and Ethical Responsibilities 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under the Canadian Firearms Act, what is the primary purpose of the 'references' requirement on a PAL application?
- To confirm the applicant's identity and employment status
- To help assess whether the applicant poses a public safety risk (Correct answer)
- To verify the applicant's shooting proficiency
- To confirm the applicant has a safe storage location for firearms
Correct answer: To help assess whether the applicant poses a public safety risk
The reference requirement allows authorities to gather information from people who know the applicant to assess potential public safety concerns.
Question 2: Which of the following best describes the legal concept of 'prohibited person' in relation to Canadian firearm law?
- Anyone under 18 who has not obtained a Minor's Licence
- A person who is legally barred from possessing any firearms under a prohibition order (Correct answer)
- A non-citizen who has not obtained special immigration approval
- A person who has failed the CFSC examination twice
Correct answer: A person who is legally barred from possessing any firearms under a prohibition order
A prohibited person is someone subject to a court-ordered prohibition that prevents them from legally possessing any firearms.
Question 3: A responsible firearm owner is also a landlord. Their tenant is found to be storing an unlicensed firearm in the rental unit. What is the owner's ethical responsibility?
- Remove the firearm personally to prevent harm and return it to the tenant later
- Report the situation to police, as an unlicensed firearm poses a public safety risk (Correct answer)
- Ignore it since it is on private property and not the landlord's concern
- Notify the Canadian Firearms Program by mail within 30 days
Correct answer: Report the situation to police, as an unlicensed firearm poses a public safety risk
Reporting an unlicensed firearm to police is the ethical and legal course of action, as it protects public safety.
Question 4: Which of the following is specifically required by the Firearms Act when transporting a non-restricted firearm?
- The firearm must be transported in a locked, hard-sided case at all times
- The firearm must be unloaded and, if in a vehicle, rendered inoperable or stored safely (Correct answer)
- A transportation document must accompany all non-restricted firearms during transport
- Non-restricted firearms may be transported loaded if the owner has a PAL
Correct answer: The firearm must be unloaded and, if in a vehicle, rendered inoperable or stored safely
Non-restricted firearms must be unloaded during transport and, when in a vehicle, must be stored so they are not readily accessible.
Question 5: What ethical principle underlies the 'treat every firearm as if it is loaded' rule?
- Assuming the worst-case scenario builds faster reflexes under stress
- Habitual safe behaviour prevents accidents caused by complacency (Correct answer)
- Regulations require this assumption at all times by law
- The rule only applies when handing a firearm to another person
Correct answer: Habitual safe behaviour prevents accidents caused by complacency
Treating every firearm as loaded prevents the dangerous complacency that causes accidental discharges.
Question 6: A firearm owner is selling their non-restricted firearm privately. What legal step must be completed before the transfer?
- The seller must register the transfer with the provincial CFO within 48 hours of the sale
- The seller must verify that the buyer holds a valid PAL authorizing possession of that class of firearm (Correct answer)
- Both parties must attend a licensed firearms dealer to facilitate the transfer
- The seller must surrender the firearm to police who then re-issue it to the buyer
Correct answer: The seller must verify that the buyer holds a valid PAL authorizing possession of that class of firearm
Before transferring a non-restricted firearm, the seller is legally required to verify that the buyer holds a valid PAL for that class.
Question 7: Under Canadian law, what is the consequence of using a firearm in a manner that is 'careless' — i.e., without reasonable precautions for safety?
- A fine of up to $500 for a first offence
- A criminal offence under section 86 of the Criminal Code, punishable by imprisonment (Correct answer)
- Mandatory revocation of the PAL for one year
- A civil liability claim only; no criminal charge is possible
Correct answer: A criminal offence under section 86 of the Criminal Code, punishable by imprisonment
Careless use of a firearm is a criminal offence under s. 86 of the Criminal Code and can result in imprisonment.
CRFSC Legal and Ethical Responsibilities 5
Under the Canadian Firearms Act, what is the primary purpose of the 'references' requirement on a PAL application?