The Firearms Act, 1995 is the law in Canada that regulates firearms possession, means of transportation, and offenses. It was passed after the École Polytechnique massacre.

Purpose

According to the Purpose section of the Act, its purpose under law is to regulate the licensing of firearms, authorizing the manufacture of firearms, and authorizing the transfer of, including importation, etc. of firearms. The Act does not apply to the Canadian Armed Forces. More specifically, under the Act, the Government of Canada (the federal government) regulates licenses and authorizations for firearms, including prohibited or restricted firearms; the possession of prohibited or restricted weapons and any prohibited devices or ammunition; and licenses for the sale or transfer of cross-bows. The Act also authorizes the federal government to regulate the manufacturing of prohibited or restricted weapons, firearms, devices and ammunition; the transfer of such items; and the importation of those items and items related to automatic firearms.