Any permanent resident or citizen of Canada 18 or over may apply for their PAL (and upgrade to an RPAL). Non-residents in Canada are also eligible to apply as well, however, the RCMP may request a letter of good conduct from their home country (or other pertinent details) later on in the application process.

Those under 18 but at least 12 years old may apply for a Minor’s License which permits borrowing of Non-Restricted firearms for target practice, organized shooting competitions, hunting, and instruction in the use of firearms. A Minor’s License also permits the acquisition of ammunition, unless there is an age restriction under provincial or territorial law (generally stores won’t sell to minors in practice, though).

CANADIAN RESTRICTED FIREARMS SAFETY COURSE

Anyone wanting to acquire restricted firearms must also take the Canadian Restricted Firearms Safety Course and pass the written and practical tests.

TOPICS

• evolution of firearms, major parts, types and actions
• basic firearms safety practices
• ammunition
• operating handgun actions
• firing techniques and procedures for handguns
• care of restricted firearms
• responsibilities of the firearms owner/user
• safe storage, display, transportation and handling of restricted firearms