Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announces a national freeze on the sale, purchase, and transfer of handguns within Canada. (Image: Canadian Press)

By David Opinko

National freeze on handgun market now in effect

Oct 21, 2022 | 11:41 AM

OTTAWA, ON – The Government of Canada has implemented what it says are the “strongest gun control measures in a generation.”

Effective on Friday, October 21, 2022, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says a freeze on the sale, purchase, and transfer of handguns comes into effect.

“Canadians have the right to feel safe in their homes, in their schools, and in their places of worship. With handgun violence increasing across Canada, it is our duty to take urgent action to remove these deadly weapons from our communities,” says Trudeau. “Today, we’re keeping more guns out of our communities, and keeping our kids safe.”

Applications to buy, sell, or transfer a handgun within Canada that were submitted before October 21, 2022, will continue to be processed.

A media release from the federal government states that limited exceptions to the handgun freeze will apply.

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“For example, high-performance sports shooting athletes and those who carry handguns as part of their lawful profession will be exempted, as well as authorized businesses such as gunsmiths, the film industry, or museums, per their licence conditions,” reads a portion of a release from the federal government.

The handgun freeze was first announced alongside Bill C-21 in May 2022, which includes several other gun control measures.

In May 2020, Trudeau also declared that 1,500 types of “assault-style” or “military-style” guns would be banned across the country.

The details of a buyback program were later revealed on September 1, 2022. It listed proposed prices that the owners of prohibited firearms could get if they submit their guns to the government.

READ MORE: Trudeau announces ban on 1,500 types of ‘military-style’ guns

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