I should clarify, as I just said, that because of the privacy law in Ontario I wasn't able to find out exactly who his references were on the PAL application, but the application as it currently stands is not very stringent. Apart from excluding conjugal partners, anybody can be a reference on a gun licence application. That can be your mother or your best friend. In my view, those people are very often likely to lie for you or minimize your background if you have a criminal, mental health, or other history.
On May 22nd, 2018. See this statement in context.