Frequently Asked Questions
Storing, Transporting and Displaying Firearms - RCMP fact sheet
Q: With all of Justin Trudeau's new gun laws, can I still get my restricted licence?
A: YES! We still offer the course, and there are still restricted firearms you can get with your restricted licence.
Q: My PAL expired 2 or 4 or 10 years ago...do I have to take the course again?
A: NO! It's like a Driver's Licence. Just fill out the renewal application, which is available on the RCMP website. It actually has a box for "Expired PAL" that you check off. Just fill out the application and send in the required picture/money. Don't believe instructors just trying to make more money, or the Canadian Firearms Program/RCMP person on the phone who doesn't know the law (yes, it happens...a lot).
Q: Are there many female participants in the courses?
A: Yes! In most courses women make up approximately 30-50% of the participants.
Q: Do you offer ladies-only courses?
A: Yes! We usually offer 2-3 a year!
Q: Can I challenge the course/test?
A: No. As of June 21st, 2015 challenges are no longer allowed in Canada.
Q: Can I take only the restricted course?
A: No. You must pass (or have passed) the non-restricted in order to take the restricted.
Q: Can I purchase a gift certificate for a course as a present for someone?
A: Yes.
Q: Will you come to my town to do a course/do a private course for just a few people?
A: Yes. But you will need a minimum of $1000, and an appropriate facility (i.e. community hall, large office, classrooms, shop, garage, basement, etc.). Get a group of friends, coworkers or a sports team together. More people will be interested than you might think! (And a lot of spouses are interested as well). The more people you have, the less you pay person. 6th person: you all still pay $200. 7th person: you all pay $190. 8th person: You all pay $180. And so on, until the 12th person, where you all pay $140. 12 is the max.
Q: Can a person under 18:
Take non-restricted course: Yes. Minimum age is 12.
Take restricted course: No
Q: I lost my paperwork...do I have to retake the course?
A: No. You passed the course, and a copy of the paperwork is kept at the Calgary AHEIA office.
Phone: (403) 252-8474
Toll Free: 1-866-852-4342
Email: [email protected]
Q: I passed the course. Can I go buy firearms now?
A: No. You passed the course, allowing you to apply for your PAL (Possession and Acquisition Licence). The process usually takes a minimum of 8 weeks if you apply with everything perfectly filled out for your non-restricted (restricted can be 4-6 months). Double check the application! Once you receive your PAL in the mail, you can then purchase ammunition and the class of firearms which your PAL specifies.
Q: Okay, I have my PAL now. Does this mean I can go hunting in Alberta?
A: No. You must have taken and passed the Alberta Hunter Education Course. It can be taken online, or through an instructor (we teach it in Stettler: in person is the best way to learn, with an experienced instructor to answer questions you may have)
Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is not meant to be legal advice. If needed, please contact your local RCMP detachment or the Canadian Firearms Program in Miramichi (1-800-731-4000).
Q: With all of Justin Trudeau's new gun laws, can I still get my restricted licence?
A: YES! We still offer the course, and there are still restricted firearms you can get with your restricted licence.
Q: My PAL expired 2 or 4 or 10 years ago...do I have to take the course again?
A: NO! It's like a Driver's Licence. Just fill out the renewal application, which is available on the RCMP website. It actually has a box for "Expired PAL" that you check off. Just fill out the application and send in the required picture/money. Don't believe instructors just trying to make more money, or the Canadian Firearms Program/RCMP person on the phone who doesn't know the law (yes, it happens...a lot).
Q: Are there many female participants in the courses?
A: Yes! In most courses women make up approximately 30-50% of the participants.
Q: Do you offer ladies-only courses?
A: Yes! We usually offer 2-3 a year!
Q: Can I challenge the course/test?
A: No. As of June 21st, 2015 challenges are no longer allowed in Canada.
Q: Can I take only the restricted course?
A: No. You must pass (or have passed) the non-restricted in order to take the restricted.
Q: Can I purchase a gift certificate for a course as a present for someone?
A: Yes.
Q: Will you come to my town to do a course/do a private course for just a few people?
A: Yes. But you will need a minimum of $1000, and an appropriate facility (i.e. community hall, large office, classrooms, shop, garage, basement, etc.). Get a group of friends, coworkers or a sports team together. More people will be interested than you might think! (And a lot of spouses are interested as well). The more people you have, the less you pay person. 6th person: you all still pay $200. 7th person: you all pay $190. 8th person: You all pay $180. And so on, until the 12th person, where you all pay $140. 12 is the max.
Q: Can a person under 18:
Take non-restricted course: Yes. Minimum age is 12.
Take restricted course: No
Q: I lost my paperwork...do I have to retake the course?
A: No. You passed the course, and a copy of the paperwork is kept at the Calgary AHEIA office.
Phone: (403) 252-8474
Toll Free: 1-866-852-4342
Email: [email protected]
Q: I passed the course. Can I go buy firearms now?
A: No. You passed the course, allowing you to apply for your PAL (Possession and Acquisition Licence). The process usually takes a minimum of 8 weeks if you apply with everything perfectly filled out for your non-restricted (restricted can be 4-6 months). Double check the application! Once you receive your PAL in the mail, you can then purchase ammunition and the class of firearms which your PAL specifies.
Q: Okay, I have my PAL now. Does this mean I can go hunting in Alberta?
A: No. You must have taken and passed the Alberta Hunter Education Course. It can be taken online, or through an instructor (we teach it in Stettler: in person is the best way to learn, with an experienced instructor to answer questions you may have)
Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is not meant to be legal advice. If needed, please contact your local RCMP detachment or the Canadian Firearms Program in Miramichi (1-800-731-4000).