Bill C-21 (Historical)

An Act to amend certain Acts and to make certain consequential amendments (firearms)

This bill is from the 44th Parliament, 1st session, which ended in January 2025.

Sponsor

Status

This bill has received Royal Assent and is now law.

Summary

This is from the published bill. The Library of Parliament has also written a full legislative summary of the bill.

This enactment amends the Criminal Code to, among other things,
(a) increase, from 10 to 14 years, the maximum penalty of imprisonment for indictable weapons offences in sections 95, 96, 99, 100 and 103;
(b) establish a regime that would permit any person to apply for an emergency prohibition order or an emergency limitations on access order and allow the judge to protect the security of the person or of anyone known to them;
(c) deem certain firearms to be prohibited devices for the purpose of specified provisions;
(d) create new offences for possessing and making available certain types of computer data that pertain to firearms and prohibited devices and for altering a cartridge magazine to exceed its lawful capacity;
(e) include, for interception of private communications purposes, sections 92 and 95 in the definition of “offence” in section 183;
(f) authorize employees of certain federal entities who are responsible for security to be considered as public officers for the purpose of section 117.07; and
(g) include certain firearm parts to offences regarding firearms.
The enactment also amends the Firearms Act to, among other things,
(a) prevent individuals who are subject to a protection order or who have been convicted of certain offences relating to domestic violence from being eligible to hold a firearms licence;
(b) transfer authority to the Commissioner of Firearms to approve, refuse, renew and revoke authorizations to carry referred to in paragraph 20(a) of the Act;
(c) limit the transfer of handguns only to businesses and exempted individuals and the transfer of cartridge magazines and firearm parts;
(d) impose requirements in respect of the importation of ammunition, cartridge magazines and firearm parts;
(e) prevent certain individuals from being authorized to transport handguns from a port of entry;
(f) require a chief firearms officer to suspend a licence if they have reasonable grounds to suspect that the licence holder is no longer eligible for it;
(g) require the delivery of firearms to a peace officer, or their lawful disposal, if a refusal to issue, or revocation of, a licence has been referred to a provincial court under section 74 of the Act in respect of those firearms;
(h) revoke an individual’s licence if there is reasonable grounds to suspect that they engaged in an act of domestic violence or stalking or if they become subject to a protection order;
(i) authorize the issuance, in certain circumstances, of a conditional licence for the purposes of sustenance;
(j) authorize, in certain circumstances, the Commissioner of Firearms, the Registrar of Firearms or a chief firearms officer to disclose certain information to a law enforcement agency for the purpose of an investigation or prosecution related to the trafficking of firearms;
(k) provide that the annual report to the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness regarding the administration of the Act must include information on disclosures made to law enforcement agencies and be submitted no later than May 31 of each year; and
(l) create an offence for a business to advertise a firearm in a manner that depicts, counsels or promotes violence against a person, with a few exceptions.
The enactment also amends the Nuclear Safety and Control Act to, among other things,
(a) provide nuclear security officers and on-site nuclear response force members with the authority to carry out the duties of peace officers at high-security nuclear sites; and
(b) permit licensees who operate high-security nuclear sites to acquire, possess, transfer and dispose of firearms, prohibited weapons and prohibited devices used in the course of maintaining security at high-security nuclear sites.
The enactment also amends the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act to
(a) designate the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness as the Minister responsible for the establishment of policies respecting inadmissibility on grounds of transborder criminality for the commission of an offence on entering Canada;
(b) specify that the commission, on entering Canada, of certain offences under an Act of Parliament that are set out in the regulations is a ground of inadmissibility for a foreign national; and
(c) correct certain provisions in order to resolve a discrepancy and clarify the rule set out in those provisions.
Finally, the enactment also amends An Act to amend certain Acts and Regulations in relation to firearms so that certain sections of that Act come into force on the day on which this enactment receives royal assent.

Similar bills

C-21 (43rd Parliament, 2nd session) An Act to amend certain Acts and to make certain consequential amendments (firearms)

Elsewhere

All sorts of information on this bill is available at LEGISinfo, an excellent resource from Parliament. You can also read the full text of the bill.

Bill numbers are reused for different bills each new session. Perhaps you were looking for one of these other C-21s:

C-21 (2016) Law An Act to amend the Customs Act

C-21 (2014) Law Red Tape Reduction Act

C-21 (2011) Political Loans Accountability Act

Votes

May 18, 2023 Passed 3rd reading and adoption of Bill C-21, An Act to amend certain Acts and to make certain consequential amendments (firearms)

May 18, 2023 Failed Bill C-21, An Act to amend certain Acts and to make certain consequential amendments (firearms) (recommittal to a committee)

May 17, 2023 Passed Concurrence at report stage of Bill C-21, An Act to amend certain Acts and to make certain consequential amendments (firearms)

May 17, 2023 Passed Bill C-21, An Act to amend certain Acts and to make certain consequential amendments (firearms) (report stage amendment)

May 17, 2023 Failed Bill C-21, An Act to amend certain Acts and to make certain consequential amendments (firearms) (report stage amendment)

June 23, 2022 Passed C-21, 2nd reading and referral to committee - SECU

June 23, 2022 Failed C-21, 2nd reading - amendment

June 23, 2022 Failed 2nd reading of Bill C-21, An Act to amend certain Acts and to make certain consequential amendments (firearms) (subamendment)

June 21, 2022 Passed Time allocation for Bill C-21, An Act to amend certain Acts and to make certain consequential amendments (firearms)

Debate Summary

This is a computer-generated summary of the speeches below. Usually it’s accurate, but every now and then it’ll contain inaccuracies or total fabrications.

Bill C-21 aims to address gun violence through several measures, including a national freeze on handguns, stricter sentencing for firearms trafficking, and new regulations regarding "ghost guns." The bill also seeks to strengthen protections against intimate partner violence involving firearms, including red and yellow flag laws and license revocation for individuals subject to protection orders. Amendments were made during the committee process to remove airsoft guns from the list of prohibited devices and to clarify the definition of prohibited firearms, ensuring that current hunting rifles are not targeted.

Liberal

Supports gun control: The Liberal party generally supports bill C-21. Multiple speakers from the party highlighted the need for gun control and the importance of this bill in enhancing public safety. They see this legislation as a significant step towards reducing gun violence in Canada.
Emphasis on public safety: The party's main objective in passing Bill C-21 is public safety. They aim to protect Canadians and create safer communities by addressing issues like illegal gun smuggling, ghost guns, and intimate partner violence.
Not targeting hunters: The Liberal party insists that Bill C-21 is not targeting law-abiding hunters, farmers, or indigenous people. They emphasize that the bill is focused on preventing violent crime and removing weapons designed for the battlefield from Canadian streets, while respecting traditional hunting practices.
Multi-pronged approach: The Liberal party advocates for a multi-pronged approach to address gun violence, including stricter gun control measures, enhanced border security, investment in social programs to tackle the root causes of crime, and support for law enforcement. Bill C-21 is seen as a key piece of this comprehensive strategy.

Conservative

Bill targets wrong people: The Conservatives believe that Bill C-21 unfairly targets law-abiding firearms owners rather than focusing on criminals who illegally obtain and misuse firearms. Several members argued that the bill penalizes responsible gun owners without addressing the root causes of violent crime.
Ineffective crime reduction: The party contends that Bill C-21 will not effectively reduce violent crime, citing statistics that show a rise in crime rates under the current government's policies. They argue that the government should focus on addressing gang-related violence, drug trafficking, and illegal firearm smuggling, rather than restricting legal gun ownership.
Against hunting rifle ban: Conservatives express strong opposition to the bill's potential impact on hunters, farmers, and Indigenous communities who rely on firearms for sustenance and cultural practices. They criticize the government's attempts to ban common hunting rifles and argue that such measures would alienate rural communities and undermine traditional ways of life.
Support common sense policies: The party promotes common-sense gun policies that prioritize border security, policing, and addressing the root causes of crime, such as poverty and mental health issues. They advocate for stricter bail conditions for repeat violent offenders and oppose the elimination of mandatory minimum sentences for serious gun crimes.

NDP

Bill does not target current firearms: The NDP clarifies that Bill C-21 will not prohibit currently owned rifles or shotguns. The bill targets future makes and models that come into the market after the bill receives royal assent, not affecting current owners.
Handgun freeze concerns: The NDP attempted to expand the exceptions to the handgun freeze for sport shooting disciplines but the amendment failed. They believe athletes in disciplines like the International Practical Shooting Confederation and single-action shooting deserve exemptions, and intends to pursue the issue further.
Airsoft community victory: An NDP amendment to delete sections of the bill that would have turned airsoft rifles into prohibited devices was passed, a victory for the airsoft community. The community is willing to work with the government on a regulatory approach.
Supports measures for women's safety: The NDP highlights the improvements made to the bill regarding red-flag provisions and the strengthening of license revocation for individuals suspected of family violence. The party recognizes the importance of these measures in protecting women and other vulnerable individuals.
Addresses ghost guns: The NDP is proud that the public safety committee addressed the issue of ghost guns by regulating the possession, sale, and importation of firearm parts used to manufacture them, fulfilling a request from law enforcement.
Indigenous rights upheld: The NDP acknowledges the initial opposition from indigenous communities and is pleased that the committee listened, ensuring that no current make or model of rifle or shotgun used in those communities is affected by the bill. A clause referencing section 35 of the Constitution Act was added to show that indigenous rights are upheld.

Bloc

Support for the Bill: The Bloc Québécois will be voting in favor of Bill C-21, because the bill is improved due to their efforts to address criticisms and include regional considerations. While not perfect, it is better than it was initially.
Protecting hunters' rights: The Bloc Québécois successfully advocated for the removal of the reference to "hunting rifles" and a list of firearms considered assault weapons, addressing the concerns of hunters and ensuring they can continue their sport without unwarranted restrictions. The party believes hunters are not criminals and should not be treated as such.
Airsoft regulation: The Bloc Québécois played a role in removing the clause banning airsoft guns from the bill, allowing airsoft associations to continue their sport with new regulations. They facilitated discussions between federations and the government to ensure reasonable regulation rather than a ban, which was appreciated by the airsoft community.
Magazine restrictions: The Bloc Québécois introduced amendments, supported by various groups, to require a valid possession and acquisition license for buying magazines and ammunition, addressing a loophole that allowed individuals without licenses to purchase them. This measure aims to prevent incidents like the Danforth shooting from happening again.

Was this summary helpful and accurate?

(The House divided on the amendment, which was negatived on the following division:)

Vote #332

Criminal CodeGovernment Orders

May 18th, 2023 / 3:25 p.m.

The Speaker Anthony Rota

I declare the amendment defeated.

The next question is on the main motion.

If a member of a recognized party in the House wishes that the motion be carried or carried on division, or wishes to request a recorded division, I would invite them to rise and indicate it to the Chair.

The hon. member for Longueuil—Charles-LeMoyne.

Criminal CodeGovernment Orders

May 18th, 2023 / 3:25 p.m.

Liberal

Sherry Romanado Liberal Longueuil—Charles-LeMoyne, QC

Mr. Speaker, I request a recorded division.

(The House divided on the motion, which was agreed to on the following division:)

Vote #333

Criminal CodeGovernment Orders

May 18th, 2023 / 3:35 p.m.

The Speaker Anthony Rota

I declare the motion carried.

(Bill read the third time and passed)