In order to confiscate firearms, individuals and groups in Alberta will need to obtain a license from the province.

The Alberta Firearms Act requires that all persons and organizations, including law enforcement, obtain a license from the province before possessing a firearm.

Despite opposition from provinces and territories to the use of police resources, the federal government is signalling that it is prepared to take front-line police officers off the street to implement the federal firearms confiscation program, explained the press release.

Additionally, Public Safety Canada could be hiring workers to supplement the usage of policing resources.

"Public Safety Canada is a large and inefficient bureaucracy. It does not have the resources or the wherewithal to fulfil its plans. In normal circumstances, the federal government would have hit the pause button. Unfortunately, we continue to receive indications that the opposite is occurring. Their decision to move forward with the confiscation program will jeopardize provincial requirements for the safe handling, transportation and storage of firearms. We will not allow that to happen,” explained Tyler Shandro, Minister of Justice and Attorney General.

According to the press release, Canadians’ concerns about violent crime are on the rise. The decision to potentially waste policing resources and contract with untrained personnel is reckless and would compromise public safety by jeopardizing the safe storage and handling of firearms, two areas of provincial jurisdiction. 

Teri Bryant, Chief Firearms Officer stated "The Alberta Chief Firearms Office continues to call on the federal government to focus its resources on illegal firearms activity rather than targeting law-abiding firearms owners. Taking firearms away from responsible owners will not improve public safety.” 

This new regulation does not affect normal police activity, such as having to confiscate a firearm as part of an investigation.

Airdrie East MLA Angela Pitt is happy to see this Firearms Act being put to work.

"I've been knocking on a lot of doors lately and this is an issue that comes up and people are very concerned with the overreach of Ottawa in terms of the gun grab."

The first action taken under the Alberta Firearms Act was to include a provision prohibiting communities and police from making unilateral arrangements with the federal government.

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