The Canadian Firearms Safety Course (CFSC) was developed in partnership with the provinces and territories, national organizations with an ongoing interest in firearms safety as well as many firearms and hunter education course instructors from across Canada. This course was developed to meet the mandatory requirements set out in Subsection 106(2)(c)(i) of the Criminal Code of Canada and came into effect January 1, 1994.

As a result of the Firearms Act, modifications were required to the firearms safety training provided to firearms owners and users. The revised CFSC, which was implemented on February 1, 1999, reflects the new legislation and focuses primarily on non-restricted firearms (rifles and shotguns). The legislation stipulates that anyone wishing to acquire non-restricted firearms must take the CFSC and pass the tests OR challenge and pass the CFSC tests without taking the course.

Topics covered in the CFSC include:

• the evolution of firearms, major parts, types and actions;
• basic firearms safety practices;
• ammunition;
• operating firearm actions;
• safe handling and carry procedures;
• firing techniques and procedures;
• care of non-restricted firearms;
• responsibilities of the firearms owner/user; and
• safe storage, display, transportation and handling of non-restricted firearms.

To obtain local information on the CFSC, please contact: